02/02/2024
As I read my devotional today, the words of the author, E.M. Bounds, described faith as that which "determines our relationship with God - how we deal with Him and how we see Him as the savior." I latched onto his phrase "Faith is not believing just anything. It is believing God, resting in Him and trusting His word.", but so many people have faith and hope in other things that don’t warrant their faithfulness at all. We hear this all the time. We hear people say that they have faith in this or that, a sports team, a political party, even a pastor or priest, and there doesn’t seem to be any limit as to what they will place their faith in. Do you see this too?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
In town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, they celebrate Groundhog Day and the news is full of it. People gather around a groundhog and with tongue in cheek they pretend that he can predict the length of winter. I realize that this is just fun for some but there seems to be a touch of belief in them as well. Likewise, I read a news story about a man who took all of his retirement savings and bought Powerball tickets believing that he would certainly win that lottery... He lost everything and now he and his wife face homelessness. We are creatures of faith, but it isn’t always in God as it should be. We strive to find things on which we can believe... Even if we must concoct them ourselves.
While Moses was on the mountain receiving God's commandments, the Israelites were at the foot of that mountain fashioning an idol. They were searching for an object in which to have faith. Today there are a great many idols surrounding us and amidst all of these objects of false hope, we must stay focused on the one true God, and His Son Jesus Christ.
Our bible verse this morning is perfect and I would like to extend it a couple more verses.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV
We are surrounded by many things not seen, but the foundation of our faith should always be the Word of God... "So that things which are seen [are] not made of things which do appear." We don't need idols, we don't need groundhogs, and we don't need false hope in lottery tickets. True faith is founded and flourishing in the Word of God, and in Him all things are possible. So in as men and women of faith, we don't trust in what we see, but instead, on the unseen spiritual things. Our prayers are answered and our water drenched fires are kindled again, not by golden objects but by faith in the Father and His Son Jesus Christ... And our faith is bolstered by the Holy Spirit.
If we keep to God’s Word and hold to an unwavering faith in Him then mountains will be moved, manna will fall from heaven, water will spring from rocks, the dead will rise, and lepers will be healed. This promise is just as alive today as it was in the time of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and especially Jesus! Our faith is indeed the substance of things hoped for, but it is also based on the Holy Word of God... the foundation of things realized.
“ Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:23-24 ESV
God bless you this day, and keep the faith.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the mustard seed of faith within me that is of you, and for my hope in the tree which is to come. Thank you for revealing to me that there is no true hope in worldly objects that so many people put their faith in… only in you and your Son Jesus. Today Father, as I walk through my life, and search out my salvation with fear and trembling, I have faith in the fact that you are with me always, and will ease my every fear. My hope is in Jesus and His redeeming blood. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you, the one true God who alone is worthy of our faith. Help us Lord as we cling to our faith in you, and realize the hope we have in Jesus by your grace which flows through Him. Hear my prayers today Abba as I lift them up in the fullness of faith in you. Praised be your name Lord, and to you we surrender all glory forever and ever more.
Rich Forbes