I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1-2 NIV
Today we begin a series exploring the Biblical definition of faith. We don't have to wonder what faith is. Hebrews 11:1 very plainly explains it to us. Many times, however, I think we don't fully comprehend what faith means in the life of a Christian.
I remember several times as a business owner waiting for a check to come in the mail. Being a small business owner, many days everything you do depends on the cash flow situation at that time. (I know several of you identify in these economic times.) According to the definition of faith, if I believed strongly enough that a check would be there, would it be? If no check was in the mail, was that a direct relation to my lack of faith? In other words, would God have allowed or not allowed me to receive a check based on the strength or lack thereof of my faith?
This is where we sometimes fall into confusion. I can't tell you how many times I have heard well meaning people struggle because they don't feel they have enough faith to see God work in their life. Christ said if we have faith as small as a mustard seed we can move mountains. He also said that if we believe we receive what we ask for.
Was Jesus saying our faith gives us power to name our blessings? I don't think so. We must always be careful that we line individual verses of scripture with all other scripture. Remember that Jesus said "apart from me you can do nothing". There is no power in us. The power is in Christ. Jesus also said that "in this world you will have trouble", but thankfully He went on to say "But take heart! I have overcome the world." Our faith is not to be placed in our ability to have faith, but in God and what He will do in our lives through Jesus Christ.
No, I believe that faith, in its truest form, is believing that God has been, is now and will always be God, even when we can't see Him. It is believing that what Christ does through us and for us and with us will be what is best and right for our lives. Faith is knowing that in the end, God works all things together for those who love Him and are called according to His Name. Faith is believing these things, even when the situations and circumstances of life would tempt us to believe otherwise. There will always be times in this fallen world where life throw us curve balls, but faith allows us to trust in Him even still.
Can you say you have FAITH today? Not that you have all that you have asked for. Many times (really most times it seemed) I didn't get the check I wanted. Do you have faith in a God who is right now, even while you can't see Him, working everything out for your ultimate good.
That is faith!
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