Lessons of Faith
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him…Remember your leaders…..Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Hebrews 11:6; 13:7
When the writer of Hebrews calls God’s people to faith, he does so with s survey of people from history that demonstrate what faith is and what faith does.
The simple phrases of Hebrews 11:6 remind us that faith is required to please God. Life is filled with uncertainties and unknowns. But we must believe in a God who is above time, that cares for us and is for us and is working out His purposes in our lives. Love for God, faith in God and obedience to God are intertwined. You can’t have one without the other.
Faith’s foundation is believing in God who we can’t see, but accept He exists and is at work in the world. Understanding God’s work in creation is an act of faith. “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3 ESV)
Faith brings confidence of God’s pleasure and reward. I like the translation that uses the words, “diligently seek Him.” This lead one Bible teacher to ask, “Are you a casual inquirer or a diligent seeker?” Steadfast faith, faith that forms the foundation of life, faith that call for us to lay down our life, is the faith that honors God. This is the type of faith that we see in those commended in the Bible.
Faith is a gateway, but not a guarantee. “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth…And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised…” (Hebrews 11:13,39 ESV)
This can be a challenge to our trust and faith. It is by faith that we receive from the Lord. However, having faith is not a guarantee that we will receive all that our natural minds would dictate. For example, our faith can lead us to believe that nothing bad will ever happen in our lives. However, we see that our faith is proven in the hardship of life. I recall when David Roever, a Navy Seal, was on a river patrol during the Vietnam war. He was shot by a sniper as he held a phosphorus grenade next to his head, he emerged from the river with a shout, “God! I still believe in you!”
Faith is not free of times of doubt. “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11 ESV) We are familiar with Sarah’s laughing at the words of the angel visitors. But she is still in the end commended for faith.
Faith is focused on the future. “By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.” (Hebrews 11:20 ESV) “By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.” (Hebrews 11:22 ESV)
By faith we can believe that the God above time, will direct the future of our lives and our children and grandchildren. But beyond our individual concerns, God has a big picture plan that He is working in in the world for our good, that is beyond the details of our life.
Prayer for today…. Lord allow our faith in You to be steadfast, focused and firm. Thank you for the examples of faith in others that encourage us in our walk with You.