November 25 – Faith Alone

The past two years have been difficult ones. The waves of the pandemic are so frustrating. Will this ever end? When will life return to normal? Do we even know what “normal” is anymore?

Our economy is going crazy. Will young people ever be able to buy homes? It’s tough even paying for groceries and our regular bills. How much will our various schools and colleges catch people up after all the disruption? How emotionally and mentally stable will we be? 

What will happen to our churches? People have left and gone elsewhere. New people have come, but will they stay? Are we actually safe meeting in a building where we don’t wear masks anymore? Can I just live my spiritual life on my own?

Hebrews 11 is a chapter about people who lived through difficult circumstances and survived well.  Actually, we need to define that as surviving with a close relationship with God. Their experiences weren’t that easy. Noah watched his world be destroyed by floods as he watched from his “zoo-like” ark. Abraham left his home country and faced so many problems as he travelled to find the promised land. Joseph was sold by his brothers as a slave to a foreign country, and even ended up in jail for years.

So when Hebrews 11 talks about faith, we need to pay attention. Here are the opening verses of Hebrews 11 in three different versions. Read each one slowly so they will stay in your mind.

Hebrews 11: 1 – 3  

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.  (New International Version NLT)

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1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.

By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see.  (The Message)

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Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for (or expected), a proof (or conviction) of things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval (or obtained a good testimony).

By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible.  (New American Standard Bible NASB)

How do you define ‘faith’? Think about what you have just read, and state what you think faith means out loud. I find actually saying something makes sure my thoughts are clear. So pause … and define faith out loud.

Here is my statement. It took a while to write this: Faith is my confidence, my belief that God exists. He created this world, and I believe He exists in a world I do not comprehend. I can trust Him completely for absolutely everything.

After writing that statement, I also understood what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” (Romans 14: 1) Trusting God completely is something every one of us struggles with. We so want life to go the way we want, the way we plan. When we are struggling with what is happening around us, to us – we tend to wonder if God really cares. Does He realize what we are going through? Will He help us? 

So, if you said your definition of faith, and then paused wondering if you really have enough faith … realize that God loves you and understands you are not perfect.

As we face 2022 and 2023, let’s face whatever life brings with confidence that God is in control, that God is at work? That is a prayer that each one of us can make today. Ask Him for help to strengthen your faith.

“I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, LORD, for you are a faithful God.” Psalm 18: 25

“Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens, your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.”  Psalm 36: 5

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91: 4

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3: 5 – 6) 

Our song for today is Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United.