WHAT REAL FAITH IS

WHAT REAL FAITH IS 

Polycarp’s final words remind us that long obedience is not a burden but a joy-filled testimony. “Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm…” That sentence alone silences our complaints and recalibrates our perspective.

When trials come, do we view them through the lens of God’s faithfulness? Or do we subtly accuse Him of neglect when life turns dark? Polycarp didn’t flinch. He had spent a lifetime walking with Christ, so when the flames of martyrdom came, he stood firm in the heat of faith, not fear.

His faith wasn’t forged in a single moment of courage but through decades of consistent, quiet trust. His endurance wasn’t found in his strength but in the dependable goodness of his King. We often fear suffering because we forget how trustworthy our Saviour is.

The real test of our theology comes when it costs us something. Will we bless God when our obedience invites pain? Or will we reframe the gospel to serve our comfort?

Enjoy the full quote: 

"Eighty and six years have I served Christ, nor has He ever done me any harm. How, then, could I blaspheme my King who saved Me? I bless Thee for deigning me worthy of this day and this hour that I may be among Thy martyrs and drink the cup of my Lord Jesus Christ." – Polycarp

Reflection Question:

In what current challenge are you tempted to question God's goodness rather than remember His long history of faithfulness? 

THE BROKEN PITCHER

 

THE BROKEN PITCHER

A pitcher stood by the well so dry,  

Its purpose firm, its frame held high.  

It carried water, cool and sweet,  

For weary hands and tired feet.  

But time and toil wore cracks so thin,  

Till one last drop could not stay in.  

A sudden slip—a crash, a sigh—  

Its shattered pieces scattered nigh.  

"Oh, Lord," it mourned, "I'm torn, undone!  

My work is past, my strength is gone."  

But soft the Master's voice replied,  

As gentle hands the fragments pried:  

"Dear child, I know your grief, your pain,  

But brokenness is not the end.  

I take the pieces, small and weak,  

And mold them where My grace will speak."  

For in His hands, the fragments shine,  

Rebuilt with mercy, love divine.  

No crack too deep, no break too wide,  

For He who heals and fills inside.  

So if you feel your strength is spent,  

Your heart is bruised, your joy is rent,  

Remember—God makes all things new,  

His strength is proved in vessels broke through.  

Rise up, dear soul, though torn you be,  

For Christ restores—and you’ll see:  

The cracks but let His light pour through,  

A vessel shaped for glory anew.

The Apostle of Joy 

© August 7th, 2025