Film Review: A Question of Faith
If you are reading this review on the Sabbath, then I would like to wish you a Sabbath filled with increased faith in the Lord’s power. Ephesians 6:10 says, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
This week’s film review is for the film, A Question of Faith.
Description
A judge remands Maria to a juvenile detention center after the teen strikes 12-year-old Eric with her car while texting. Joining Eric in the hospital is Michelle, a young singer who collapses while auditioning for a major record label. As their respective parents begin to question their faith, a chain of events unknowingly brings all three families together in unexpected ways.
The film starts with Psalm 34:17 - The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.
The need for God’s Word and prayer is seen throughout this touching film - showing how God’s Word and prayer can be cast aside through challenging times, if we don’t focus on the Lord. In good times, our faith can diminish because we can overly focus on the joy. Such is the same in challenging times - our focus can be mainly on the pain.
A prayer is offered for Eric, one of the main characters, while he is is hospital, using the following verse from James 5:15: And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Eric’s mother, during a difficult decision, says: We can’t question the Lord’s work. This reminds me of a Bible quote I received after much prayer, that ended up in several outcomes I did not want or understand. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. This Bible verse gave me immediate peace and humility, during a time of grief, making me understand the Lord’s perfection and divinity, on a deeper level.
Eric’s grandfather quotes Proverbs 3:5-6 to his son (Eric’s father). Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Psalm 23 is also read during the film, a comforting promise.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I appreciate how this film encourages us what to do, through God’s word, when turmoil enters our lives. It also encourages understanding of others, when we are in pain: Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
This verse was demonstrated well in the film, through a conversation Eric’s grandmother has with her son, Eric’s father. Eric’s father’s parents are shown as people of deep faith, who are connected to the word of God and who remember who they are during all seasons.
I also appreciated how John 11:25-26 was read during the film - acknowledging that we do not go straight to heaven when we die, but will be resurrected when Jesus Christ returns.
This film made me think how blessed we are, that God sees and forgives. He knows our faults, how we come up short each and every time. His compassion is anew every morning. Great is His faithfulness.
In Summary
A Question of Faith, is a touching film that centers on when tragedy strikes. It glorifies God by lifting up His word and prayer, through faith - showing the need for faith, prayer and forgiveness in all seasons. It depicts God honouring characters, who bear the burdens of others, in humility. It shows strong Christian marriages and how God can work through tragedy for His glory, if we choose to run to Him and not from Him.
This film encouraged my faith, as it deals with real issues, in a realistic manner and through it all, encourages us to draw closer to God through His word - and live through His word, by His power alone. Zechariah 4:6 says: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
I watched, A Question of Faith, on YouTube.
Thank you for reading this review. Until next time - peace be with you.
Film source: www.youtube.com
Thumbnail: www.rottentomatoes.com
Other scripture references in the film
Mark 11:25 (forgiveness)
