Why do we call Abraham our Father in faith? He believed and trusted God's words even when all the evidence and his own culture said otherwise. He was willing to leave everything behind and strike out into the unknown, trusting only that God was dependable and would not let him down. Faith is not doctrine or dogma - there was no doctrine or law in Abraham's time. Faith is absolute trust in the goodness, wisdom, and mercy of God, regardless of what life brings.

What about us when we are persecuted, even facing danger or death? Again, Jesus tells us not to be afraid. God even notices and cares about the death of a sparrow, and we are certainly worth much more than sparrows. That doesn't mean we won't struggle or suffer - after all, God did not intervene to protect the sparrows. But God cares deeply, and we matter to God. In biblical terms, to be noticed by and cared for by God is to be saved. Jesus tells us to speak out for justice, truth, God, and human decency. All the world's evil will soon be uncovered. It is important that we be fearless beacons of light rather than candles hidden under a bushel. We are infinitely loved; there is nothing to be afraid of. Let us live boldly and joyfully.