Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
My husband and I are studying about faith. Hebrews 11:1 gives a straightforward definition for faith. You need to be certain of what you do not see and sure of what you hope for. That's basic but difficult for adults, namely me.
I am sure of what I'm hoping for, but certain of what I do not see, that's where the doubt seems to creep in. This next verse holds some important keys for me:
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
Faith comes so much easier for my children than for me at times. When it's prayer time, they are willing to pray for whatever we need or whatever our friends need. I, on the other hand, seem to hesitate if I am not sure God will answer the prayer.
How did I get to this place of unbelief?
By living 42 years on this earth.
I know that God has performed many miracles in my life over the years, so why doubt?
Because I'm focusing too much on the times when the outcome didn't match my expectations.
Here's a sobering verse:
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
The bottom line for me, I'm going to start asking God for whatever I need, and believe with childlike faith that He will deliver me. If He chooses not to, I will not be discouraged or despair because I know that God knows what is best for me and my family.
I'll start by asking God to increase my faith.
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11 comments:
there have been times in my life when I have questioned my faith but when I have accepted the situation and put myself into His hands, my prayers have always been answered.
It has been 53 years of life for me and I too have lost my edge on God so to speak. When I was younger, I didn't have a care in the world and I had so much more faith. Now with so much riding on my success, I find it difficult to have that blind faith like I used to.
Yesterday, my wife and I had a discussion about why we seem to have so many failures. I think this is a common question these days. I think the reason we have so many failures is because we have so many successes. We try harder, we do more and we succeed more but for some reason we can't see past the failures. God is giving us so much but we just can't see it.
Sadly, there have been times when "I" have got my needs mixed up with my wants. This causes big trouble in ones heart. Thank GOD, He is faithful to redirect and restore.
Great post!
By HIS mercy and in the grip of HIS grace, andrea
I'm in Believing God and this beats and strong beat Sonya! Lovingly as I too ask Him to increase my faith.....Yolanda
My faith was rather iffy until 07. There have still been moments when my faith was shaken, but as you are doing I ask, believe and receive God's increase of Faith within my soul, heart and mind.
Faith is something that is called into question everyday. Not so much for me my faith in God or why things happen the way they do but having faith in believing in what people say.
That remains my stumbling block for now. Unlike God, people can disappoint when you put all your faith in them.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
I've struggled with doubts at times, too. The Lord recently led me to some verses in Luke that I'm memorizing right now:
"Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you...so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." Luke 1:3-4
God bless!
Amen to this Sonya! It is hard to live by faith when sight is easier, and logic makes more sense. But the Bible is clear. We must live our lives in child-like faith.
"I'll start by asking God to increase my faith." I love your starting place! One of my favorite faith quotes is "I believe! Help me in my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) The man had faith that Jesus could heal his son, yet still said "IF you can heal him."
My faith is like that man's. I beleive, but I need Jesus help to keep me there!
i think that faith is something we all struggle with from time to time. mainly because we see faith from our flesh and we have to realize that there is nothing fleshly about it. It's all about Him.
THanks for this great reminder about what Faith is all about.
Very good. Faith continues to be a challenge all through life. It is so much more natural for children, and you had a memorable way of stating it: "How did I get to this place of unbelief? By living 42 years on this earth." You are a good writer.
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