Now faith means putting our full confidence in the things we hope for, it means being certain of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (Phillips)
I have been thinking about the definition of faith lately and what it really looks like in our society, in our churches and in our individual lives. Do we have the motto: God helps those who help themselves? Sounds good on the surface, but where in Scripture does it say this? It doesn't.
Scripture teaches us God is our help - We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and shield. (Psalm 33:20) Do we think: how about living like we have to control everything because He has given us brains; but not leaving anything to being out of our control, out of earshot and leaving nothing to ‘chance’ - we do it all?
This is one I hear about most - if you want it to happen, you've got to be the one to make it happen.
Well, again, where does it say this in Scripture? When I read the Word, I see wait. I see pray, hope, walk in faith not sight and wait on Him. Exodus 14:13-14 is a good example of what waiting looks like when all else is in turmoil and action is an absolute must. The Israelites were on the edge of the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army was breathing down their necks in hot pursuit. Time was of essence. Moses spoke to the people and told them to not be afraid and to stand firm. God would fight for them. He would take care of the situation. He would do it - the caveat? The people (Israelites) were to be still.
Not your typical advice given in this situation.
We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
But one worth noting because it's how God operates. Walking by faith, living by faith, not by sight, is H A R D. Except when we look to Jesus the Author, Writer, Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). By asking Him to define it for us, we get the best answer - His.
We have been given the opportunity to decide in our hearts whether we are going to walk by faith every moment, in the hard, the easy and everywhere in between.
As Phillips translated Hebrews 11:1 - faith is putting our full confidence in things we hope for.
I guess maybe, we need to take an honest look at what we hope for. Do I hope for things this world has to offer and put my full confidence in these? Folks, let me tell you, it may sound good and is even promoted, but man fails, society fails; circumstances make the promises unattainable therefore unmet.
While you held on to the promise promoted, basically you are left holding your dream in a bag because that's all that's left.
But, when we hope in God, His ways, His power and all things about Him, our hope is not in vain. We can be certain God is for us. We can be certain He will fight for us (Exodus 14:13-14). We can be certain He is working for our good (Romans 8:28). We can be certain He will move when it is time to move, and frankly He does not need our help.
Does the clay say to the potter, "Here, let me scoot over a bit on this wheel so you get a better angle. I'm not liking what you're doing here, so I will drag my foot making it harder, or impossible to finish what you started?" Does clay even speak? Having taken a ceramic class in college, I can confidently say, clay does not talk. Clay is subjected to what the artist has in mind.
Oh, there were times it fought, became unruly and ended up flying off the wheel - but that was because I was not a master clay thrower. But God is. He will mold and shape us, be our Help, fight for us and use each turn of that wheel for our good.
The point is: will I submit and let Him?
PRAYER
Father, please define faith for me. You tell me Jesus is the Author of faith, and He is Your Son - show me Your Son. Show me how, why, where and when faith is near, here and in me. Grow me to be more like Your Son. Challenge me to walk by faith and not by sight. Hold my hand and lead me. Lead me to the Rock, which is higher than I.
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