Dumb Idea #1: Faith Can Fix Anything

The word on the street is that faith is a potent mixture of intellectual and emotional self-control that when properly harnessed can literally change outcomes through positive thinking and clear visualization...It's why when our team is five runs down with two outs in the ninth inning, we're not supposed to think negatively. Instead, we're supposed to hang tough, visualize a big inning. Because as long as we really believe we can win, there is a good chance we will.

Probably the most surprising and interesting thing I learned from this book is that, as far as the Bible is concerned, the English words "faith", "belief", and "trust" are synonymous (they all come from the same root Greek word).

A nice metaphor Osborne uses to illustrate his point is using a GPS navigator. Sometimes it will direct you down a different road than you would have chosen or may require some "recalculating", but it will ultimately get you to your destination.

Faith is not a skill we master...It's not a magic potion that removes every mess...it doesn't promise to fix every flat tire...but it will take us exactly where God wants us to go.

Osborne's referenced verses:
John 3:16
Acts 12:1-16
Romans 1:5; 5:1
Hebrews 11:1; 11:6; 11:39
James 2:19-26
1 Peter 1:9
1 John 2:3-5

Osborne, L. (2009). 10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe (1st ed.). Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books.