04/16/2022
We believe in God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, but although we believe, is that enough? When the Lord tells us to step out beyond our belief, in faith alone, do we have it in full measure? Can we walk into the unknown by leaning on Him completely; abandoning the comfort we have grown accustomed to, and trusting enough to journey into unknown circumstances? To receive his inheritance Abraham had to go out as God commanded him to do, and to redeem the world Jesus had to take on our sin, and venture into death. To do these things it took more than hope… it took faith, and beyond that, a firm belief.
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”
Hebrews 11:8 ESV
“Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.””
John 20:21 ESV
When we are sent out by Jesus to do the will of the Lord, we know Him, and yet we don’t know all the places we will go, or things we will eventually do. Abraham went out even though he didn’t know all that awaited him, and Jesus went where He was sent in much the same way. In our lives we are sent by Christ as He was sent by the Father… not knowing all things but trusting, and faithful in He who sends us.
In this way we see that believing is not enough. Believing takes the faith we are asked to step out in, and by our going, and doing, the reality of what once was completely by that faith is made known to us. There are many things we do at the command and bequest of God that remain unknown to us, and these will require us to exhibit much faith as we seek to obey Him. Are we strong enough to obey, and to do His will? Are we willing to do what is asked of us in faith, and once we have done so to find that it is real… turning our faith, the unknown, into belief as it becomes known?
“And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.””
Luke 22:41-42 ESV
Today we believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, but every day we are asked to do things that require us to step out in our faith a little further. We are comfortable in much of our lives, and thank God for them, but at some point He will ask us to leave that comfort, and expand our ability to believe in Him as we do so. Maybe He will ask us to do something fairly simple like having a gospel conversation with a neighbor, or giving a meal to someone who is hungry, but as our belief increases, and our faith continues to grow stronger, it might be much more. A few of us will be asked to go into a dangerous situation to deliver His Word, or to leave home, and family, to walk with Him into a wilderness. When these things occur, whether they are easy, dangerous, or difficult, will we be strong enough to say “Yes Lord!”; and will we be ready to respond in faith without knowing all that obeying His will might require of us? Peter thought he knew…
“Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.”
Matthew 26:34-35 ESV
But like Peter we often find that we really don’t know, that we must face our true measure of faith, and wrestle with temptation and fear as we are challenged by our humanity. Much of the time we will succeed like Jesus did in the days following His prayer in Gethsemane, but sometimes we will need to have our faith strengthened by dealing with failure as Peter did.
“Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.”
Matthew 26:74-75 ESV
So today we might experience success in our faith, and find that our belief is much stronger as a result, or we might find our faith to be lacking, and weep in bitter disappointment, but even in failure we are not abandoned, and our faith continues to grow.
Peter was the first of the apostles to see Jesus after the resurrection, and was reassured. He was once told that on him the Church would be built, and Jesus, after predicting his weakness, then came first to him to strengthen that faith once more, and reassure him. When our faith is not enough we too will find that Jesus will come to us, and reassure us. His promise to us will not have diminished, and our journey continues on in Him.
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.””
Matthew 16:18-19 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus, and for the faith we have received. Thank you for tending to our faith, and growing it into a mighty belief in you. Thank you for taking those things we once hoped for, and had faith in, and growing them into an amazing belief in you, and who you are. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who reveals yourself to us one degree at a time, and leads us into more than an idea, but into the firm knowledge of who you are. Praised be your name for every ounce of faith that has become a firm and unwavering belief, and thank you for the times our faith has proven too weak, and you have picked us up once again. Merciful are you Father, and gracious are you in our lives. Hear our prayers Lord, and forgive us our sins. Cover us in the blood of Jesus, and see only His perfection when you look towards us. Perfect us in Him, and on the day of judgement, find us worthy in both our faith, and firm beliefs. Reveal yourself to us daily, and at the moment of our resurrection, reaffirm us as Jesus did Peter, and seat us at your table forevermore.
Rich Forbes