More Than Foxhole Faith
O God, be not far from me;
O my God, make haste to help me!
Psalm 71:12 (ESV)
I have heard it said that, in relation to war, there are no atheists in foxholes. Life has a way of putting us in situations where the only one who can help us is God. The Ntibonera family experienced this. God is who they cried out to when their lives were on the line. Only God could help them survive.
“We were just praying, ‘God, please help us so we can get through this night’”
The innate knowledge of a higher being becomes evident when we are helpless. So, in perilous situations, the heart of most people will cry out to God for help.
Seeking help from God when we’re in a difficult place is an example of what we must do on a deeper level if we are to ultimately be saved. God may work things out for us in some situations in life, but that is only surface “salvation.” What we really need is salvation from our sin.
Why would we beg God for help in a foxhole but not seek His help throughout our lives? Why would we ask Him to save our physical bodies but not ask Him to save our souls?
Believing there is a God is not enough. Yes, God was gracious to direct the Ntibonera family out of danger. He was gracious to put them on a path that ended well. However, the Ntibonera family could have received rescue from certain death but still be doomed to the ultimate death of their souls. We need more than a superficial belief in our heart. We need a decided faith.
What kind of “believer” are you? Have you given your life to God? If not, why not? Why not take the time to do something about the simple belief that already lives within you? Translate it into faith in action. You need more than foxhole faith to be completely saved. Receive Jesus as your Savior. Make Him Lord of your life. Choose to follow Him today. If you are ready, pray this prayer.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I believe You exist. Please show me who You are and reveal Yourself to me. I need to be saved from my sin. Jesus, You died to save me and You promised to save me if I would trust You. I do trust you Jesus, and want to follow You the rest of my life. Help me to do that.
In Jesus’ name
Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, find a Bible. An English Standard Version (ESV) or New Living Translation (NLT) might be easier to read. Begin in the book of John. Look in the Table of Contents, and you will find it in the New Testament. Don’t worry about the parts you don’t understand. Begin by being obedient to what you do understand, and the Lord will increase your understanding as you continue to read and obey. Also, find a church that believes and teaches what is in the Bible. Create friendships with other Christians, so you can grow stronger in Christ. Congratulations on moving from foxhole belief into decided faith. God bless you.