Hebrews 11: 1-3; 6-10, 23-29 AMP
Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. 2 For by this [kind of] faith the [a]men of old gained [divine] approval.
3 By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
6 But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. 7 By faith [with confidence in God and His word] Noah, being warned by God about events not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his family. By this [act of obedience] he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness which comes by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called [by God], obeyed by going to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land, as in a strange land, living in tents [as nomads] with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise. 10 For he was [waiting expectantly and confidently] looking forward to the city which has foundations, [an eternal, heavenly city] whose architect and builder is God.
23 By faith Moses, after his birth, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful and divinely favored child; and they were not afraid of the king’s (Pharaoh’s) decree. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 because he preferred to endure the hardship of the people of God rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of the [c]Christ [that is, the rebuke he would suffer for his faithful obedience to God] to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt; for he looked ahead to the reward [promised by God]. 27 By faith he left Egypt, being unafraid of the wrath of the king; for he endured [steadfastly], as seeing Him who is unseen. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts], so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them (the firstborn of Israel). 29 By faith the people [of Israel] crossed the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; but when the Egyptians attempted it they were drowned.
Here’s a couple Acronyms for F.A.I.T.H. that are a bit of fun to think on a remember…
Forsaking All I Trust Him
Forwarding All Issues to Heaven
I also love this quote…
‘Faith is the bird that sings when the dawn is still dark,’ wrote Sir Rabindranath Tagore.
Do you ever notice that as you read and re-read the same passages of Scripture over time that they speak to you differently depending on the season and circumstances you find yourself in the midst of?
Hebrews 11 – I do have to say I just LOVE this book! Definitely a favourite of mine as it goes through kind of a “Hall of Faith” in terms of the legends of faith that have walked before us back in Biblical times. I encourage you to pull out your Bible and read the whole chapter but as I was re-reading this beautiful chapter in Hebrews these sections jumped out at me and i thought of how in each of their lives there would have been a moment of kind like a “Plot Twist” in a novel or a movie – ever notice that? As you re-read it on your own and really meditate and ask God to help you to imagine what their lives would have been like before and after they said Yes to God.
Now think to yourself for a moment that over 2000 years has passed since Jesus came to earth as a tiny baby with the purpose and passion that we as sons and daughters would be reconciled to our Father in Heaven! We know all of the Old Testament points to a Messiah coming but until Jesus appeared on the scene and then fullfilled His mission after being crucified as a sinless perfect lamb of God and then rising again from the dead and ascending to Heaven – did we get to see what life on this side of the cross could really look like! Not only was Jesus the perfect representation of the heart of God but when Jesus departed He promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit – to come and dwell inside us when we confess and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour!
Now if you think of what walking a life of Faith looks like now vs what it would have looked for these heroes of the faith mentioned here in Hebrews – it changes your perspective a bit right?
I think that the ability and willingness for us to step out on the water when Jesus calls to us and asks us to do things out of our comfort zone depends on where our trust lies.
If I asked you on a scale of 1-10 where your confidence, hope and conviction lie in believing that God is who He says He is, that you are who God says you are, that you can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength – how would you rate yourself today?
Now think back for a moment for me to a time say 1 year ago… say 2 years ago – would you say that you have grown in these areas? I would hope you would say yes but also challenge you to really search your heart as you finish off 2022 and head into 2023 with a renewed mind, a secure focus on Jesus and a willingness to trust and humble yourself before the Lord inviting Him to do a new work in you, helping you to grow more into who He created you to be!
So, in close, I would just like to invite you think on this …At the end of Hebrews 11, if God was to write your name and then ‘BY FAITH ….’ what would He write about you?
Let’s pray…
Father I am ever so grateful for You sending Your Son Jesus to earth 2022 Christmases ago in order that we as your sons and daughters be reconciled to right relationship with You. I ask that You search my heart and reveal to me anything that is blocking me from believing and putting my Faith completely in You and Your plans for me and my life. I invite you to renew my mind as I sit in Your presence and read Your Word allowing it to soak in and penetrate the cracks and crevices that have been formed over the years with disappointments and with grief, and instead ask that You show me what You were teaching me in the tough times. I thank You that if You are for me, who can be against me? I am reminded Jesus of the days You walked this earth with dusty feet, and that You know how I feel on this roller coaster of highs and lows of life and look forward to the assurance that I am growing and maturing more and more into who I have been created to be and to do what I was created to do. I love you and celebrate Your goodness and kindness and compassion for me today and all my days to come.
In Jesus almighty and precious name,
AMEN
Feel free to enjoy a time of worship as you listen to these songs chosen for today’s Bold Existence App Verse of the Day – feel free to download our new App for free and enjoy updates daily- just jump onto your App Store and download.
Be blessed brothers and sisters,
