September 16, 2022
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. 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 11:1-3) ESV
We cannot rely on our feelings (I have been reminded of this several times and am still learning). Feelings can be fickle; one day, we feel good and positive, and the next feel down in the dumps.
If we watch the news on TV or listen to the radio, we hear things that perhaps make us feel depressed. The level of anxiety and fear in the world has reached epidemic proportions. People are under pressure and concerned about the future. If we base our faith on feelings, then we could risk the possibility of living a yo-yo Christian life. One day we will be strong and filled with confidence and optimism; the next, we will be in despair and filled with fear. We don’t have to live like this. One may go so far as to say; that we cannot be a Christian and live like this (I don’t foster that belief myself).
If we read Hebrews chapter eleven, we see that people of faith who are listed there believed in God amid dire circumstances. Many of them faced personal loss, even death in some instances. They were faced with a choice, to believe or not to believe. It was black and white; there were no gray areas. God could only undertake great things for them in all these people’s lives because they chose to believe. They decided to walk by faith, even under the most uncertain times.
Faith has to be practiced. Moreover, it is based on the knowledge of a Person. Get to know Jesus. I am not talking about deciding to follow Him; that is the first step. We will only get to Him if we spend time with Him in His Word, praying, and listening to Him.
Friends, the closer we get to Him, the more our faith will increase. The more our faith increases, the less we will be swayed by our feelings and what is happening around us. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You to thank You for Jesus. Thank You for Your Word and that I can know You through the Bible. Please help me to walk in faith and not be swayed by what is happening around me. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Encouraging Words from Billy Graham: Being a Christian is more than an instantaneous conversion; it’s a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.
God Bless you and have a Blessed Day, Friends <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org Feedback, or Devotion Ideas? Send an email to info@wearethebridge.org Download The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest devotions, blog posts, podcast episodes, and more as soon as they are published!
