Faith

Last night, Benjamin asked me if he had faith now.

When he was in K4 he prayed to put his trust in Jesus.  We believe he sincerely understood his need for a Savior, truly childlike faith.

When he asked me this last night I reminded him of this verse,"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Heb 11:1

This morning I have been thinking a lot about faith.  I have put my trust in Jesus and am painfully aware of the GREAT need I have for a Savior.  My faith is not in myself for salvation, but in Christ alone.  God showed me that while my trust for salvation is in Him alone, am I relying on Him in the daily occurrences with that same trust?  Don't get me wrong, I firmly believe once saved, always saved.  I just think we often live a watered down life of faith.  That is NOT what God has for us...He has so much more.

All that said, there are those times that my flesh, struggles to trust.  I have found when situations arise that cause fear I can go back to my journals and see God's marvelous way of working.  Today, God showed me a chapter in Hebrews I have read numerous times, but today, it came alive.

Today, something really hit me.  In Hebrews 11:1-40 the author, instructed by the Holy Spirit, listed men and women of faith.  My heritage, my example, God's people-from so long ago that He knew would impact me, and you.  Keep in mind, these examples are humans, sinful by nature, but forgiven because of their FAITH and trust in a Savior.  The old  Testament Christians were saved by putting their trust and acknowledgement of their need of a Savior-by looking ahead to the Promised Coming Messiah.  The New Testament believers, were saved by placing their trust in the The Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God.  

So, now let's look at God's Word and examine faith, trust me, it is chilling-in a very holy sense.  May God grant our eyes to be open and hearts to understand the promise He wants us to see.

"...And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.  By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.  By faith Abraham, when he was called obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.  By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for a city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.  By faith Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised...."Heb.11:6-11

****The next verse is AMAZING, please keep reading!

"All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." Heb. 11:13

***Skip down to verse 16,

"But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.  Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them."

Chapter 11 goes on to list numerous people of faith.  "By faith....", "By faith...", "By faith...".

I want to point out again in verse 13, it notes, they died without receiving the promise.

God desires more for us to grow in our love and faith in Him than He does for our earthly comfort.  Remember at the end of verse 13, it says, "having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth."

Now, I'll be the first to say I like comfort.  I don't so much like the thought of exile life, but I am a pilgrim.  I am NOT of this world, my promise is in my eternal home.  Is my life reflecting that faith, is my faith full of grace and truth that shows the world a RADICAL difference? 

I can't get to that place of faith like the Hebrews 11 hall of fame on my own effort, but that is what I want to be in Him.  It is only by His grace and the equipping of the Holy Spirit that will shape my life to look like that.  I first have to be willing to trust and let go of what seems to be my earthly comfort, and trust Him to be the Perfecter of my faith.

Oh God, by Your grace, may my life be one that is full of faith.  Not in myself but in You, unshakable.  Not that any would see me, but that Christ would be glorified.  Perfect I am not, and never will be until heaven.  Forgiven, I am and free to trust You.  For You alone are trustworthy may my life say "By faith..."