Faith

FAITH

What is Faith and why is it a must for our lives?  Hebrews 11:1-3 tells us:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things that are visible.”

I am struck by this first thought that faith is the substance of things hoped for.  Hope is what pushes people forward.  When we are hopeless we tend to isolate ourselves and dwell on negatives often to point of depression.  This biblical definition of faith pointing to hope is a great comfort.  As God’s people we need to remember that we have a great hope which should be evident in our lives and that is solidified by our faith.

Our faith is like many other areas of our life in that it will have its ups and its downs.  But when it is firmly rooted in biblical truths it will secure us from being overcome by the trials that we face.  Faith is something that we develop over time through observation, education, and intent.  No one creates a useful or abiding faith without intent.  In my own journey to a saving faith in Christ I remember having a conversation with a minister friend of mine in Jefferson City, MO who told me,

“I know that you will find what you need.

You have a good heart and are seeking the truth,

Just keep it up.”

He was right, I did find what I needed. One of the implications of his statement was that many do not seek after truth.  Without intent it is very unlikely anyone will stumble upon a meaningful faith, and without truth no faith can be meaningful.

So what about doubts?  Many people of faith will have doubts from time to time.  Occasional doubt is a good thing, in that when we don’t have doubts or insecurities it may indicate that we are becoming complacent or overconfident in our faith.  It has been said that “pride cometh before a fall,” and that very easily could be the state of our faith when we claim to have no doubts.  On the other side of things we cannot be in constant doubt, as this would indicate a very weak and passive faith.

Faith is a building block for us to build upon with so many other positive attributes as is shown in 2 Peter 1:5-7,

“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence,

Add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge,

To knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance,

To perseverance Godliness, to Godliness brotherly kindness,

To brotherly kindness love.”

This week examine your faith.  Where do you stand?  Do you have doubts?  Set your foundation in faith and add to it through prayer, study, and service.  In these things you will Do Well, and your faith will grow.  As your faith grows you will see a change in how you respond to trials and difficulties that come before you, and others will too.

Resolve

What is Resolve?
   *Used as a verb- to decide firmly on a course of action.
**Used as a noun - firm determination to do something.

This powerful word can have application in many aspects of our life.  So where are those application points?

*Peer pressure, or the pressure to conform to cultural "norms".

*Dating and Marriage - we MUST follow  biblical principles not he ever changing cultural norms that have given us a 50% divorce rate and an "evolving" definition of marriage.

*Work - We should return to the work ethic of our forefathers and recognize that being a workaholic is dangerous and counterproductive on many levels.

*Pray - scripture tells us to "pray without ceasing."  How much do we practice this?

*Worship - Be there, and open our hearts to it.  There are reasons God instructs us to assemble together.  It holds us accountable, protects us, encourages us and allows us to learn at a deeper level.

*Serve - Service is very important, it builds and shows gratitude for the blessings we have been granted.  It exposes us to the struggles and victories of others, and there is little that will build our faith faster than serving others.

*Study - Always begin with the Bible and be "in the Word" daily.  But don't stop there  fill yourself with other quality information to grow your perspective and build useful interests that bring fullness to your life.

2 Timothy 2:15 "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."

Can it be tempting to distort or twist the Word of God?  People do it all the time, it is the basis for many cults and misguided religious groups and beliefs.

Scripture gives example after example of people who showed great resolve in difficult situations.  Daniel, Joshua, and Ruth just to name a few.  These people were mere humans, just as we are, and yet they held firm to their various courses and changed history.  We may not change history in the same way these heroes did, but we can change the course of our family for generations to come.

Many of these principles can apply to how we work, how we take care of our physical health, manage our time and so on.  If we will start with resolve in our faith, and grow it into these other areas we can know a more abundant life.  A life centered on God and ready to experience the fullness of His blessing in tragedy and in triumph, today and for years to come.

Will you implement this resolve in an effort to Do Well at a higher level?