Types of FAITH

1. A man was climbing a mountain. When he was about to reach the top, he slipped and fell. Fortunately, he managed to grab a branch of a tree and hung on to it for dear life. While hanging, he uttered prayer after prayer to God for help. Finally, he heard a voice from above which said, “Son, I heard your prayers and am here to help you. But you will have to do whatever I say.” The man was ecstatic and shouted back, “God! I am willing to do anything you say. Please save me.” To this, the voice replied, “In that case, let go of the branch.”

The man looked below and shouted back, “Is there anyone else up there that can help me?”

Many people have this type of faith. When asked to do something tough they give up and look for alternatives. These people don't know that there is only one way to suceed - faith with hard work and perseverance - no other alternative.

2. A flood was threatening a small town and everyone was leaving for safety except one man who said, "God will save me. I have faith." As the water level rose a jeep came to rescue him, the man refused, saying "God will save me. I have faith." As the water level rose further, he went up to the second storey, and a boat came to help him. Again he refused to go, saying, "God will save me. I have faith." The water kept rising and the man climbed on to the roof. A helicopter came to rescue him, again he refused replying, "God will save me. I have faith." Finally he drowned.

When he reached his Maker he angrily questioned, "I had complete faith in you. Why did you ignore my prayers and let me drown?" The Lord replied, "Who do you think sent you the jeep, the boat, and the helicopter?"

Some people have this mentality where they expect supernatural things to take place and in the process waste opportunities.

3 & 4. A Japanese village was facing severe draught due to lack of rain for 4 years. Fortunately for them, a famous Zen monk arrived who had the reputation of making things happen by just saying a few words. That evening the village held a congregation honouring the monk. As the procession came to an end, the monk got up and uttered some words under his breath. Then he said, “Tomorrow at this same place, at this same time there will be rain.”

Next day everybody got ready for the congregation in the evening. As the evening arrived, everybody rushed to the place of meeting to take their seats. The seating arrangements were made in a particular order with the children and elderly sitting in the front. Among all the people, a little girl who was sitting in the first row alone brought an umbrella.

Most people belong to the third category where they believe (or whatever) but do not bring their umbrellas.

However, the last category is the one consisting of successful people who bring their umbrellas with them because they have 100% faith that they will SUCCEED come what may.