Faith

I really enjoyed the role that faith played in the relationship between Morrel and Valentine. Morrel had to place a lot of faith in Noitier in chapter 47. He could have easily decided to take matters into his own hands and elope with Valentine, but he decided to trust Noirtier and his promise to stop the marriage instead. Morrel risked everything, even his own life, through trusting in Noirtier. He stepped back, abandoned all of his ideas as to how to solve the problem, and allowed Noirtier to have full control of the situation. I think that it’s especially ironic that Morrel could place that amount of faith in the mute and paralytic Noirtier while I have trouble placing faith in my capable friends and even God. I believe that this kind of faith is one that today’s society is unwilling to have. It’s much easier to rely on your own strength and abilities than to place that all encompassing trust and confidence in another person. I find myself constantly doubting my classmates’ promises to complete assignments, my friends’ ability to keep secrets, and even the promises made by many of the politicians who were recently elected. Worst of all, I often doubt and forget about the God whom I know to be completely faithful, sovereign, holy, and good. This being said, I truly envy Morrel’s ability to give full control to Noirtier. I believe that it is still important to exercise discretion when dealing with imperfect man and human nature. However, if all Christians could apply that same faith in their relationship with God, I think that life would become so much easier and worry-free. Psalm 62:5 states this fact well. It says, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” Exercising this type of faith, especially in my relationship with God, is something that Morrel has reminded me to work on. I believe that a mutual faith can help to create one of the strongest foundations that a relationship can have. Imperfect man will always fall short and fail, but it is comforting to know that we have a perfect God whose faithfulness is never-ending.