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By Faith

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:39-40 NLT

“All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.”

Observation:

Application:

Paul writes that there are so many people in the Bible who were not able to see the entire promise of God, yet by faith they pursued God’s promise knowing God would do what He promised. They knew that they had a specific part in God’s plan, though they might see the final outcome. Having the trust in God so much that you would still follow through and believe that God’s Will would be done even though the outcome is unseen, is faith. Faith is not required when you already have something. “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT.

The people Paul had named, chose to look beyond what their circumstances were, knowing that God would be faithful to bring about the promise in His time. They knew that obeying and walking in God’s direction was possible because God Himself is faithful. They understood that God’s promises always came true and that God was not one to go back on His Word. They knew if God said it, he would do it. If God planned it, He would make it come to pass. Are we on that same level of trust, knowing God will do all He has decided to do?

Things I can do to trust in God and deepen my faith:

  1. Recall all the daily blessings. When I remember all God has done for me, I begin to notice that He is Present! That is God does listen to my prayers!” In the Bible it calls us to be thankful. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 
  2. Read the Bible, listen, and obey. God is always speaking to us. His words are alive through the Bible and by developing the discipline of daily reading and listening to God’s Words to us, we will hear God’s directing us, through the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 reads, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” All those that were mentioned in the Bible, obeyed what God had told them to do. They first listened to God and followed it with obeying His Word. It is said in the Book of James 2:26b, “…faith without works is dead.” We can listen to God, but having faith means I need to be putting in the consequent work – obey. 
  3. Keep my eyes on God. When I am not focused on God and focused on the world, I lose sight of what God is doing. I stop short by looking at what is only before me and not move forward in faith. I need to keep my eyes on God and trusting in His words that He will do what He said He will do. He is the author and perfecter of my faith therefore by keeping my eyes on Him, I will be able to receive what He is promising. If I take my eyes off of the Lord, like Peter, I will succumb to the crashing waves around me. 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your word to me this morning. I am so grateful that You are faithful and unchanging. That we can trust in Your Words and that you will be there to guide us along the life you have given us. I pray, in your Name, Jesus, that you grant us eyes to see beyond what is before us. Help us to see Your leading in the Story you are writing. I thank you so much for all that you have done so far in my life. I choose to live a thankful life. I choose to Read Your Word and choose to obey, but please grant me the courage to step out in faith knowing You are there to guide me. In Your Precious Name, Jesus. Amen!

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