By Faith

In the book of Hebrews, the overall message is to encourage and convict Christian's to hold fast to their faith in Jesus Christ, and to then live out their faith to others.

But in this post, I though to narrow into a specific passage in Hebrews 11 that offers a beautiful illustration of how, as believers, we must submit to God by faith in order live our lives devoted to God's will and not our own.

In verse one, the author defines faith as, "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen"( Heb. 11:1 )

Faith isn't something that we can fully grasp or understand...

But what we can understand is that our faith lies in God who is unshakable, eternal, and never-failing.

We so easily cling to people or ourselves for things.

Things that are finite, imperfect, and naturally sinful (don't mean to insult, but let's be real)

Don't get me wrong here, it is important to share things with others and carry one another burdens, but do we allow God to carry them first?

And God never said that this whole faith thing would be a piece of cake.

No! Faith endures trials, hardships, pain, etc. but we come out stronger in the end.

We are warriors through Christ.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in NOTHING." (James 1:2-4).

I love how the author continues in Hebrews 11...

He goes on to describe in depth of how different followers of Christ endured through good and bad situations by faith.

I will read of one of the people the author listed...

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater than wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward."(Heb. 11:23-26).

And our reward is eternal life in Christ.

Jesus purchased this reward through his death and resurrection on the cross, and it gives us hope that allows us to live by faith.

Faith involves us putting ourselves into uncomfortable situations, where, if God did not come through, we would fail.

Where are you trusting God by faith that is outside your comfort zone and beyond your ability to achieve?

By faith the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea, only to look back and see the Egyptians become swallowed up by the waves.

Something that seemed impossible, but because they had faith that God would protect them, was actually possible.

"...people who through faith conquered kingdoms, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight" (Heb. 11:33-34).

Things that don't make sense to us, that in our own power, aren't humanly possible.

But when we fully rely on God and have faith in His promises, He can and will do the impossible.

It can be simple things such as taking those steps to start up that small business you have always dreamed of or dusting off that old guitar hiding in your attic and putting your talents to use!

Whatever it may be, whatever step of faith God is calling you to make... Go for it.

Because when we take those steps in faith, we not only come out stronger but we realize that it's not in our own strength but fully in God's strength.

Dear God,

I pray over anyone today who feels stagnant in their faith.

I pray that they will open their eyes to the places you are calling them to step out in faith.

I pray that they won't be overcome with fear, but instead be overcome with your strength and reassurance.

Thank you that we aren't in this life alone.

Thank you that you give us hope to achieve things we never thought were possible.

Give us faith to trust in what you call us to do each and every day.

Open our eyes to the small ways that we can trust in you so that we are able to see clearly when we need to make those larger steps in faith.

We love you God, and put you at the forefront of this day.

Not our will be done, but yours Jesus.

In your name we pray, Amen.