Crazy Faith

Crazy Faith Plot Summary

Introduction

Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, peering into the vast unknown before you. The wind whips around you, and your heart pounds with a mixture of fear and excitement. This precipice represents that moment when you're faced with a decision that requires more than logic - it demands faith. We've all been there, haven't we? That pivotal moment when everything inside us screams to play it safe, yet something deeper whispers that we should take the leap. Faith isn't merely a religious concept - it's a fundamental force that shapes our lives, relationships, and destinies. Michael Todd takes us on an exhilarating journey through what he calls "Crazy Faith" - the kind of belief that appears foolish to the world but ultimately transforms lives. Through powerful stories, vulnerable personal accounts, and practical wisdom, he illuminates how faith grows from tiny, mustard-seed beginnings into world-changing conviction. The pages within offer more than inspiration; they provide a roadmap for developing the audacity to believe beyond what seems reasonable and to step into the extraordinary life waiting just beyond our comfort zones. As we explore these principles together, you'll discover that what seems crazy today might just become your new normal tomorrow.

Chapter 1: The Meaning of Crazy Faith: Only Crazy Until It Happens

Michael Todd was sitting at his kitchen table when he heard frantic knocking at his door. He opened it to find his mother-in-law, breathless and excited, clutching a letter. "Michael, I think God has answered my prayers!" she exclaimed. The letter claimed she had won $100,000 but needed to send $700 to release the funds. Todd gently explained this was "fugazi" - fake, counterfeit, not real. His mother-in-law's excitement deflated as she realized she'd almost fallen for a scam. This moment sparked Todd's reflection on what's truly "crazy" versus what's authentic faith. He points out that many things we consider normal today were once deemed impossible. Cell phones would have seemed like science fiction in 1979. Racial integration was unthinkable in 1955. The concept of airplanes was laughable in 1899. Yet all these "crazy" ideas eventually became reality. Todd defines Crazy Faith as "having thoughts and actions that lack reason but trusting fully in what you cannot explicitly prove." He emphasizes that this type of faith isn't blind foolishness but rather trusting God enough to believe for things that seem impossible by human standards. He shares how God has asked him to do seemingly crazy things throughout his life - like believing he would lead a megachurch with only six months of junior college education - and has seen extraordinary results because of his willingness to trust. Faith requires a solid foundation - like a skyscraper needs deep concrete footings. Todd challenges readers to assess their faith foundation and determine what kind of structure it can support. He argues that you can't build a skyscraper-sized vision on fixer-upper faith, nor experience mansion-sized miracles with porta-potty principles. Your foundation determines what can be built upon it, and Todd believes that foundation should be faith in God's unchanging Word. Through personal stories and biblical examples, Todd illustrates that Crazy Faith isn't about religious perfectionism but rather progression - taking steps forward, even imperfect ones, toward what God has promised. It's about trusting God when logic says otherwise, believing for the impossible, and watching as what once seemed crazy becomes your new reality. After all, he reminds us, it's only crazy until it happens.

Chapter 2: Baby Steps: Beginning Your Faith Journey

Todd recalls watching his young daughter Ava Rae take her first steps at eleven months old. After building up strength in her chunky thighs from crawling and bouncing in her walker, one day she became determined to reach her sippy cup on the coffee table. She stood up, took three wobbly steps, and then fell. With tears threatening, her parents cheered enthusiastically, encouraging her to try again. With her siblings joining in the support, little Ava kept trying until she finally reached her sippy cup. This beautiful family moment illustrates a profound truth about faith: it often begins with baby steps. Todd explains that Crazy Faith isn't where you start; it's where you find yourself after being diligent and dedicated to exercising baby faith. Most people want Moses-parting-the-Red-Sea types of results without understanding the importance of starting small. For Noah, cutting down that first tree to build the ark took a small measure of faith and a huge amount of humility that nobody saw except him and God. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses a powerful metaphor to illustrate the potential of small faith. When His disciples can't cast out a demon, Jesus tells them, "If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed...nothing would be impossible." Todd points out that there's enormous power packed into something as small as baby faith. God sees and heaven notices even the tiniest steps of faith we take, even when we can't yet see mountains moving. For some, baby faith might mean opening a bank account labeled "Generosity Fund" and depositing five dollars. It might look like filling out an application for an evening class, writing a letter to an estranged parent, or visualizing the house you don't yet own. Todd emphasizes that walking in faith comes from crawling in faith first, and there's no shame in starting small. Todd also addresses how our relationship with our earthly father directly affects how we view our heavenly Father. If you had an absent father or one who consistently let you down, it may be difficult to have childlike faith in God. Yet he encourages readers to allow the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts, forgive their earthly fathers, and embrace God as the Father who will never die, disappoint, leave, or reject them. As we take our first baby steps of faith, we learn to hope again - which Todd describes as the fuel for faith. Without hope, faith cannot move forward. Though past disappointments may have caused us to stop hoping, he dares us to hope again - for healing, for provision, for restoration - because wherever your hope reaches is how far your confidence can expand. The restoration of hope marks the beginning of baby faith, and it's never too late to start building.

Chapter 3: Weathering Storms: Finding Purpose in Waiting

In 2015, just after becoming lead pastor of Transformation Church, Todd had a Crazy Faith moment. Thirty-seven days into his new role, he found himself typing a detailed vision in his daughter's bedroom early one morning. The vision included purchasing a massive event center called SpiritBank Event Center (SBEC), debt-free. This seemed utterly impossible - they had just paid off a 33,000-square-foot converted grocery store, and now he was dreaming of something far bigger. The SBEC was part of a huge complex housing various businesses, and Todd felt God prompting him to believe not just for the building but for fruitful relationships with all existing businesses. He even wrote, "Someone is going to underwrite the whole thing." Though statistically, churches typically decline during leadership transitions, Todd had faith that God would turn their church into a "multiethnic, multigenerational, multiplying, multicampus church" - none of which they were at the time. Todd shares how the gap between promise and provision can be excruciating. He compares it to his experience when his wife Natalie announces she's preparing a delicious meal - the anticipation makes waiting difficult. The temptation during waiting periods is to settle for something less to satisfy immediate hunger. "Settling for a counterfeit version of the promise you're waiting for never satisfies," he writes. Instead of giving in to impatience, he encourages readers to "wait on God" - meaning to serve Him while waiting. He warns against making "false starts" like King Saul in 1 Samuel 13, who grew impatient waiting for the prophet Samuel and offered a sacrifice himself, disobeying God's instructions. This hasty action cost Saul his kingdom. Todd created an acronym for this problem: FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) becomes "Forgets Orders and Makes Options" in hasty faith, versus "Follows Orders and Maintains Obedience" in waiting faith. During their church's waiting period, Todd admits they almost made false starts twice - nearly purchasing a vacant Sears building and then almost buying a Kmart with a low ceiling and numerous support poles. Neither matched God's promise, but they were available and the church was capable. Thankfully, they chose to wait instead. Todd encourages readers to see waiting as preparation for the promise. Just as he wouldn't let his daughter drive before she's ready, God sometimes tests our patience to build endurance and teach us to trust Him fully. "The only thing harder than waiting on God," Todd reflects, "is wishing you would have." True waiting faith isn't passive but active - praying, preparing, and serving others while trusting God's perfect timing.

Chapter 4: Taking Action: Faith That Produces Results

The Bible is filled with stories of people who took bold action based on their faith, and Todd particularly highlights the account of a paralyzed man whose friends went to extraordinary lengths to get him to Jesus. When they arrived at the house where Jesus was teaching, they found it completely packed with people. Rather than giving up, they climbed onto the roof, created an opening, and lowered their friend down directly in front of Jesus. Todd imagines the paralyzed man's friends - whom he affectionately nicknames "some men" since the Bible doesn't name them - faced with this impossible situation. While lazy faith would have turned back at the first obstacle, these men demonstrated what Todd calls "active faith." They were willing to put in actual physical work by carrying their friend all the way to the house, climbing onto the roof, digging a hole large enough for a grown man, and carefully lowering him down in front of Jesus. This story illustrates that faith without action is merely wishful thinking. Todd points out that many believers say they have big faith but have too little to show for it. They talk about their dreams and visions but don't put in the work necessary to see them materialize. "Everybody wants to get a prophetic word," Todd writes, "but most are too lazy to do the prophetic work." He emphasizes that faith is an action verb, and James 2:26 confirms that "faith without works is dead." Todd challenges readers to examine where they might be demonstrating lazy faith - procrastinating on priorities, doing the minimum required, or settling for less than God's best. He encourages us to figure out creative solutions to obstacles, just as the paralyzed man's friends did when faced with a packed house. God will do everything we can't do, Todd explains, but He won't do what we can. Our responsibility is to take whatever steps are within our power. What's particularly striking about the "some men" in the story is that they were willing to work without guarantee of credit or acclaim. The Bible never reveals their names, only their actions. Todd suggests that true faith isn't concerned with recognition but with seeing transformation happen. "Active faith gets credit in eternity," he writes, noting that some things God calls us to do may not be publicly recognized on this side of heaven. The final lesson Todd draws from this account is that mature faith puts faithfulness over feelings. There will be days when we simply don't feel like continuing, when results aren't immediately visible. But spiritual maturity means remaining consistent in our active faith regardless of emotions. Just as NFL players don't win championships without countless hours of practice and preparation, believers can't expect to see God's promises fulfilled without disciplined, faithful action.

Chapter 5: Trading and Stating Faith: Speaking What You Believe

Todd returns to the story of the paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof, this time focusing on the man himself. While his friends' active faith brought him to Jesus, now he needs to "trade" their faith for his own. When Jesus tells him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home," it's an unreasonable request for a paralyzed person. It lacks logic and seems crazy - yet the man must now trust and try for himself. This "trading faith" represents exchanging the faith that brought you to a certain point for the faith that will take you further. Todd shares vulnerably about his own journey with his son MJ, who was diagnosed with autism. While his mother's faith encouraged him during a dark moment of doubt regarding MJ's healing, Todd realized he needed to upgrade his own faith. "Somebody else's faith might've brought you here," he writes, "but it's time to trade it in." When Jesus heals the paralyzed man, He instructs him to pick up his mat - his testimony - and carry it with him. Todd relates this to his own life, sharing openly about his past struggle with pornography addiction. Though some have advised him to stop sharing such personal details, Todd explains that "sharing my real testimony is my secret weapon for how I stay free." Our stories of weakness become weapons against the enemy, and Todd encourages readers to "leave the sin but take the mat" - to carry their testimonies of transformation wherever they go. In another chapter, Todd emphasizes the power of speaking our faith aloud. He tells the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who shouted persistently for Jesus's attention despite others trying to silence him. When Jesus asks what he wants, Bartimaeus boldly states his desire: "My Rabbi, I want to see!" Todd points out that Bartimaeus literally declares what he cannot yet see. Words have creative power, Todd explains, just as God spoke the universe into existence. Proverbs 18:21 says the power of life and death is in the tongue, and Romans 10:17 tells us faith comes by hearing. When we speak faith-filled declarations based on God's Word, our own ears are the first to receive them, strengthening our faith and burning away doubt and worry. Todd provides a collection of faith-filled declarations straight from Scripture, encouraging readers to memorize them and speak them aloud when facing challenges. He advises placing these scriptures where they can be seen regularly - on refrigerators, mirrors, dashboards - as reminders to state faith verbally. "All the good vibes and positive energy in the universe ain't got nothing on the power of your words spoken in faith," he declares. It's not Crazy Faith until you start stating it.

Chapter 6: Bouncing Back: Overcoming Fading Faith

Todd vulnerably shares his own experience with fading faith regarding his son MJ's autism diagnosis. "Let me get even more H.O.T. (humble, open, and transparent) with you: I still do [have dark days]," he admits. Despite leading a thriving church and seeing incredible miracles in ministry, Todd confesses that sometimes his faith for MJ's healing wavers, particularly when driving to therapy appointments. This honest admission sets the stage for Todd to address the reality that everyone experiences loss, failure, and disappointment. He lists various painful scenarios readers might face: infertility despite prayers for children, a business failing despite integrity and generosity, unexpected death of loved ones, sudden health crises, betrayal in marriage, financial setbacks, natural disasters, or disillusionment with spiritual leaders. "Profound loss can cause Crazy Faith to fade," he acknowledges. Todd then turns to the biblical story of Thomas, who missed Jesus's first appearance to the disciples after the resurrection. When told about it, Thomas famously declares he won't believe unless he can touch Jesus's wounds himself. Todd challenges the traditional "Doubting Thomas" label, suggesting instead that Thomas was "Hurting Thomas, Brokenhearted Thomas, Exhausted Thomas" - similar to how Todd describes himself not as "Doubting Michael" but as "Tired Michael, devoted follower of Jesus and loving father to MJ." What Todd finds remarkable about Thomas is that despite his fading faith, he keeps showing up. Eight days later, when Jesus appears again, Thomas is there with the other disciples. "My hurting, brokenhearted, exhausted friend: you belong," Todd writes. "Your fading faith can't exclude you from God's family any more than bad breath can." He emphasizes that among fellow believers is where Jesus is most likely to show up. When Jesus does appear, He specifically addresses Thomas's needs - inviting him to touch His wounds - demonstrating what Todd calls "crazy grace." Todd identifies three ways God responds to fading faith: He meets tangible needs, visual needs, and personal needs. Jesus doesn't rebuke Thomas for his doubt but lovingly provides exactly what Thomas said would help him believe. Todd concludes with a vulnerable account of writing a song called "You Sustain" after receiving MJ's diagnosis. The lyrics express trust in God's promises and mercy even in the midst of pain. "God doesn't provide just saving grace. God also provides sustaining grace," Todd writes. Even while still waiting for a miracle for MJ, Todd believes God will sustain them through the journey, preparing them for an even crazier faith yet to come.

Chapter 7: Saving Faith: The Ultimate Purpose of Belief

Todd takes us back to the Christmas story, reminding us that Mary and Joseph's experience didn't happen during a special holiday season - it occurred on what felt like ordinary days amidst already challenging circumstances. Their homeland was under Roman occupation, facing religious persecution, cultural oppression, and political unrest. Yet precisely in these crazy times, God showed up with an even crazier plan. When Mary tells Joseph she's pregnant through the Holy Spirit, he initially plans to break their engagement quietly. But an angel appears to him in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife and name the child Jesus, "for he will save his people from their sins." Todd points out that God often chooses the most unlikely circumstances and people to accomplish His purposes. "Not making sense is our God's MO," Todd writes, "because if it made sense, we could take the credit." Todd outlines the journey of Crazy Faith beginning with receiving a "crazy word" from God - a directive or promise that doesn't make logical sense. This is followed by facing "crazy worry" as the Enemy attacks with doubts and questions about how God's promise could possibly come to pass. Todd encourages readers not to get stuck in the "how" but to focus on the "who" - the God who is more than capable of fulfilling His promises. The next stage involves taking a "crazy walk" - stepping out in faith even without seeing the entire path. "If you can see it, you don't need faith," Todd reminds us. This leads to a "crazy wait" as we journey toward God's promise. Todd emphasizes that waiting isn't passive but involves serving others and allowing God to develop our character for what lies ahead. Eventually, God makes a "crazy way" - but it may look nothing like we expect. Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem only to find no room at the inn, resulting in Jesus being born in a stable surrounded by animals. "Out of the crap, God brought new life to the whole world," Todd writes, finding profound meaning in this humble beginning. "Out of the crap, God will bring new life to, in, and through you." The journey culminates in "crazy worship" as we respond with gratitude and adoration for what God has done. Todd shares how Transformation Church erupted in celebration for a month after receiving the keys to the SpiritBank Event Center - the very building God had promised them years earlier. But the story doesn't end there. Todd reveals that God whispered to him, "Don't take your foot off the gas. Believe Me for the whole thing." Just over a year later, they acquired the entire complex surrounding the event center. Todd concludes with an invitation to salvation, explaining that the ultimate purpose of Crazy Faith is saving faith - trusting Jesus as Savior and receiving new life. This begins a progression of faith: accepting salvation, gaining access to the Holy Spirit, taking action to obey God, exercising authority over obstacles, and living in abundance that blesses others. The cycle continues as our testimony helps others experience saving faith in Christ. "Crazy Faith is like a wave," Todd writes, "it just keeps coming...and coming...and coming."

Summary

Michael Todd takes us on a transformative journey from baby steps of faith to mountain-moving belief, showing that extraordinary lives are built one courageous decision at a time. Through personal vulnerability and powerful storytelling, he reveals how faith evolves from tentative beginnings into world-changing conviction when we choose to trust beyond what seems reasonable. His narrative demonstrates that faith isn't about perfection but progression - a continuous forward movement that grows stronger with each challenge overcome. The heart of Todd's message centers on the profound truth that what appears foolish today often becomes tomorrow's reality. When we're willing to act despite uncertainty, speak our beliefs aloud even when circumstances contradict them, and maintain trust through seasons of waiting and doubt, we position ourselves for breakthroughs that defy explanation. His insights provide practical wisdom for anyone seeking to move past limitation into possibility: first, recognize that small beginnings matter enormously; second, understand that waiting isn't wasted when we use it to serve others; and third, remember that God specializes in making ways where there seem to be none. Ultimately, faith's journey isn't about avoiding struggles but transforming them into stepping stones toward a life of purpose and impact that reaches far beyond ourselves.

About Author

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Michael Todd

Michael Todd is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of RELATIONSHIP GOALS and the lead pastor of Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Michael's driving passion is re-presenting God to the lost and found for transformation in Christ. Michael speaks at a variety of influential churches, events, and conferences each year, including Elevation Church, C3 Conference, Lakewood Church, VOUS Conference, Relentless Church, XO Conference, and many others. Michael and his wife, Natalie, have been married since 2010 and live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with their three beautiful children: Isabella, Michael Jr., and Ava.

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