Skip to content

Confidence Quote by Richard J. Foster

“Learn that trust precedes faith. Faith is a little like putting your car into gear, and right now you cannot exercise faith, you cannot move forward. Do not berate yourself for this. But when you are unable to put your spiritual life into drive, do not put it into reverse; put it into neutral…” quote by Richard J. Foster
Download Open image
““Learn that trust precedes faith. Faith is a little like putting your car into gear, and right now you cannot exercise faith, you cannot move forward. Do not berate yourself for this. But when you are unable to put your spiritual life into drive, do not put it into reverse; put it into neutral. Trust is how you put your spiritual life in neutral. Trust is confidence in the character of God.””

Richard J. Foster

About This Quote

Source Book: Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster, 1978

Trust is the foundation for faith; when you cannot act, stay neutral rather than regress, trusting God's character.

In simple terms: Trust precedes faith; stay neutral when stuck.

Key Takeaway

Maintain trust, avoid self‑criticism.

Themes

faith trust spirituality

Mood

reflective calm

Type

spiritual motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal crisis
  • spiritual doubt
  • decision making
  • stress management

Key Concepts

theology psychology resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you cultivate trust when action feels impossible?
  • What does “neutral” look like in your life?
A Different Perspective

If trust is misplaced, it can lead to passivity.

4.2 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Richard J. Foster

Explore all 239 Richard J. Foster quotes

More Confidence quotes

Browse all 11,290 Confidence quotes