Faith is a strange thing. It carries us through rough times, it allows us to build hope on nothing but a promise, it gives substance to the things we are believing God for, and it provides an avenue for total trust in God in areas that we may otherwise be weak. Faith . . . a small word with a big meaning!
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)
Bible scholars have called the eleventh chapter of Hebrews the “Faith Hall of Fame” because it is the written testimony of patriarchs and their unwavering faith in the God whom we love and serve. Many of our forefathers believed God for things He had promised to them, yet some of them died not having received the promise. But, they never stopped believing. As a matter of fact, they believed that God would perform that which He had promised if even after their death. Just because they were no longer living didn’t mean that God would or could not perform His Word! Such faith! Such trust! Such persuasion!
God has made many promises to us in His Word. Our goal is to be able to embrace those promises and be persuaded that He will perform His Word regardless whether or not we see the manifestation with our very own eyes. There used to be a popular bumper sticker that said, “God Said It, I Believe It, and That Settles It!” Well, to tell you the truth, if God said it, that settles it! His words are “Yes” and “Amen”! There is no variableness or turning with Him. He is committed to perform His Word!
Praise God today that regardless of circumstances in your life, in your family’s life, God will perform His Word . . . “He’s faithful to perform that which He had promised.” And, if we die in faith, not having received the promise but have seen them afar off and were persuaded of them, and embraced them . . . the day will come when it shall be done!
Father, I need to be honest with You. It is so hard sometimes to see—to envision the things that You have promised in Your Word! I know You said that You are my defense, but when the attacks come from every direction I struggle sometimes to not be afraid. I know You said You would provide for me, but when the bills are piling up and the collectors are calling, I often wonder where You are. I know You said that me and my household would be saved, but when my children are rebelling, my faith in Your absolute ability to save is challenged. Help me to trust Your Word above all else. Help me to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that those things which You have promised, You will also perform! I love You and choose to trust You, Lord, with my whole life, amen.
“They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” (Psalm 125:1-2)
© Jan Ross
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