The Faith Of The South Sea Islanders

Wednesday, December 31, 1969

A missionary translating the Bible for the South Sea Islanders got stuck when he came to the word "faith." The Islanders had no word for it. One day, one of the Islanders came in exhausted. He threw himself down on a chair to rest, and rested his feet on another chair lying on his back. As he did this, he exclaimed something in his native language. The missionary took note of the word which meant "lean your whole weight upon." He finished the translation. So the word "faith" was translated "lean your whole weight upon." You see, biblical faith isn't just to accept something you haven't seen, it's a choice. David said, "I will trust in the Lord." Faith is making the decision to lean your whole weight upon the Lord. Commit everything and lean your past, present, and future on Him. God wants you to live a leaning life. Song of Solomon 8:5 says, "Who is this who comes up from the wilderness leaning on her Beloved." Be as wise as the Islanders of the South Pacific and lean your whole weight upon God, the rock of your salvation.

From Message #504 - Eternity in Their Hearts