September 9, 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.
By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith, Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 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. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:1-7) ESV
I have a question for you. What constitutes faith? Many people have told me they want more faith to run the race and finish the course God has set for them. They want to walk in the light that is so uncertain at the moment.
Author Oswald Chambers wrote in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, “The root of faith is the knowledge of a Person.” Developing faith is not an easy task or an instantaneous thing. We cannot just wave a magic wand and receive faith. Faith is not something we receive by simply listening to faith messages. We grow in our faith by getting to know a Person; that Person is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Abraham was a man who had faith. And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness ”— and he was called a friend of God” (James 2:22-23) ESV. It is mentioned two times in the Bible that Abraham believed in God (Genesis 15:6 and Romans 4:3). I think the reason is that we cannot please God without faith. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) tells us, “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.” Hebrews 11:8 (ESV) tells us, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
Friends, in faith, Abraham left his home and went to an unknown land. He trusted God. He believed in God. He did this because he knew God. What is God telling you today, and what is holding you back? If you know God, then you will trust Him. It is as simple and as complicated as that. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, I want to know You more; this is the Prayer and desire of my heart. I want to know You the way Abraham did so I can follow You wholeheartedly, trusting You in all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Encouraging Words: Faith is trusting God even when we don’t understand.
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
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