Flappy Faith

Remember a little game called Angry Birds? Yeah that multi-million dollar sensation that dominated phones and computers alike. Remember when that was the rage? Well the last month has seen a new "bird" sensation take over and it's called Flappy Bird. Have you seen this and played it yet? Better yet have you slipped and said a few bad words while playing it or even threw your phone across the room? The game in itself doesn't wow you with it's state of the art graphics. Matter of fact hardcore video game fans have voiced their displeasure with the use of some familiar green tunnels that are similar to the 1980s classic Super Mario Brothers. 

Well the goal of the game is to direct this flappy bird in between a maze of small open spaces with a tunnel at the top and bottom of the screen. Just see my picture below if I'm confusing you. Well every time you succeed you get a point but if you touch the tunnels the game is over. Slight of hand and a steady eye can lead to success. But overall it has been a celebrated struggle by many of the users. It has led many like any arcade game to the repeated investment of hours to conquer new highs in this game. 
                                                          

Just this past weekend the creator Doug Nguyen announced that the app for his game would be dropped from all available app sites due to what he references an overwhelming demand on him. The game has been in high demand and has averaged $50,000 daily since it's take off. Not sure if it will be sold or brought back but it has been a phenom here in early 2014. And leads me to think about the following.

As crazy as it may seem there's a lot we can relate this game to when regards to our faith. Specifically our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is defined in the scripture within the book of Hebrews chapter 11. Starting with verse 1 it says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The chapter itself has been dubbed the "faith hall of fame" chapter.
Following verse one are 39 verses that highlight various accounts of faith and it's effects displayed by those referenced in the Bible. Small, big and in between are covered and all with the knowledge that faith is sure and certain. It starts with believing in who God says He is and it book ends with believing in His promises meaning He will do what He says. If we trust and believe that He will fulfill these promises there lies the foundation to true faith. 
                                                                    

Jesus himself answered his disciples by telling them in Matthew 17:20 the power of true faith:
"Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

As a youth minister I see and hear many stories of faith struggles. Struggles to trust and be confident as a disciple of Christ. Trusting that taking a stand for Him can elevate your faith not crush it. Whether it's teens or adults even we all struggle with our faith foundation. Now flying a bird in between tunnels has been a frustration for many not because it can't be done but whether it be a lack of patience or an easiness to be frustrated the game itself has struck a nerve. I try to encourage my youth and others that our faith in Christ should be firm and secure with no doubt and no regrets. If he asks us to do something or an opportunity comes to share something we should answer to the call in faith. When He called me into Student Ministry I responded in faith having no idea what was ahead but knew He was in control. When I asked my wife to marry me I trusted in the fact she would say yes and it was God's will. So much I proposed in front of 3,000 people at a high school football game. And I could go on with other examples.

We tend to view faith like a honor system with God. Hey if I do and say for you then you can pay me back right? There is reward by trusting and holding a faith in Christ even in the most difficult times. But you see we grow as a people with limited patience. It has to be now or never. The time needed for growth and discipline is not desired yet we lash out at the lack of fulfillment due to having faith. In that chapter of Hebrews verse 6 hits it real clear the following:
                                                                                   

Now you may not be a believer but still you put faith in someone or something. You probably count it as a reward when something works for your good and also count it as a loss when otherwise working against you. But when have you searched His will for your life out to the point of pure relentless trust. And how many times have we dismissed true blessings as a coincidence or luk of the draw.

I would encourage you to read this Hebrews chapter and then reference the stories mentioned. Let it challenge and encourage you as it does me in my walk. Maybe it's time to let go of a Flappy Faith. Maybe it's time for a new game plan. Maybe you need to put your trust in the unknown rather than what you choose to see daily. Frustration aside it's a better payoff and just like that bird you can fly again.