J Heinrich Arnold-Freedom from sinful thoughts.pdf

9. FaithTHE ONLY answer to inner torment is faith in God. Itmight sound simplistic, but faith is the only point wherelight can break into our lives and bring us redemptionfrom evil. Like grace, faith is a mystery and does notlend itself to explanation. For someone who has not experiencedits power, it may seem distant or even unattainable.Faith cannot be acquired by a decision of the will: it isa gift from God. Yet it can be given to everyone whoseeks it. As Jesus says, “Seek, and ye shall find.” Whatcounts here is trust. Faith is not dependent on reason –on theories, theological systems, or other intellectualexplanations. It is belief, precisely in the absence ofthese things. Mary had reason enough to doubt the angelwho came to her from God, but instead she believed– “Here am I, a handmaiden of the Lord” – andreceived the Word in her heart. It can be that simple!