One of the ways by which faith manifests itself is optimism. No one who is extremely negative and cynical can ever be mighty in faith. Optimism is an offspring of faith. There is no way you can say you walk in faith without having the spirit of optimism permeating what you say and do. It is amazing when you meet this breed of people. They are positive; they are enthusiastic; and they have a can-do-it attitude in all issues of life. God’s children in general ought to be in this lot. However, we should be careful of blind optimism that only borders on pride and arrogance. The reason is simple: we don’t have all factors under our control.

Optimism is an offspring of faith…However, we should be careful of blind optimism that only borders on pride and arrogance… Operating with cautious optimism is how we combine wisdom with faith.

Yesterday, I narrated how our flight was cancelled. I know all of us said sweet byes to relatives and acquaintances. There must have been arrangements at the other end for welcome parties as well. That’s all we could do. When the airline cancelled the flight, that fell outside our control. It is for situations like this that we are to deal in cautious optimism in our talks and projections. Cautious optimism was the theme of James’ exhortation to the business people who projected where they would go to, what business they would do and what profit they would rake in. As mighty in faith as Paul was, he dealt with caution, after he indicated his interest to see the Corinthians.  “For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.” (1 Corinthian 16:7). If we must boast of anything, it must be in the Lord and with His permit. Operating with cautious optimism is how we combine wisdom with faith.