Written by: Deborah Ross

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1 is my favorite passage of scripture.  In fact, I have this verse etched on my (pink) leather Bible cover.  It’s one that was specially made for me while on a mission trip to Brazil a few years ago. 

God’s Word is a  journey of faith.  A journey that teaches us to “not” rely on our natural senses and intellect, but rather to put our trust in the unseen.  Of course, God did give us natural abilities that should be used to their fullest potential; but, when those who call themselves Christians have exhausted their own strength, God is faithful to make us more than conquerors… if, we will “really” believe Him and trust in His Word.

The book of Hebrews is a beautiful review of how the “heroes of the faith” persevered with unwavering hope in God’s ability - and His desire - to perform His Word through miracles, signs, and wonders… through impossible situations.  While it is baffling to observe how so many Christians are oblivious to the “power of the gospel” and the “faith walk” that God desires for His children to live out on earth, I’m sure that my confusion does not compare to the disappointment God must have when His children refuse to believe Him - according to His Word.

 Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Every person who professes Christ as their Savior “believes in God”.  In fact, even those who follow after other religious practices believe in a god of some sort.  What sets the Christian faith apart is the fact that Jesus Christ came to earth, as God in the flesh, to live among men and to “reveal” God’s desire for the human race.  Jesus “did” the will of the Father as an example for all of mankind.  God sent His Son so that we might understand the depth of His love, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the pathway to eternal life.  Jesus broke the curse of sin and death so that we could live as God originally intended as a people who can talk and walk with God on a daily basis, knowing that we are the apple of His eye. 

Hebrews 13:8 

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

What He did then, He is still doing now.  Our responsibility, as born-again believers, is to cultivate our faith so that we can be partakers of Kingdom living, glorifying our Heavenly Father by our “belief” in His good plans for our lives. 

Looking back at Hebrews 11:6, certainly, no Christian has a problem believing that “God is.”  Rather, the stumbling block for those of weak faith lies in their ability to believe that God is “a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him.”  The problem with this is that the first part of this verse says, “it is impossible” to please God without faith - faith that believes “He is” AND that He “rewards”.

Do YOU believe God’s Word?  I mean, do you “really” believe in God’s desire to do the miraculous in your situation?  I think the hardest part of walking in faith is when an impossible circumstance presents itself and we are positioned to either “believe for a miracle”, according to God’s Word, or to doubt that God is interested, willing, or able to intervene on our behalf.  This is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak, and it is at this crucial crossroad that the “test” of our faith hangs in the balance.

So how do we grow our faith, becoming able to make the right choice when faced with adversity?  Answer:  By reading God’s Word AND by hearing God’s Word.

Romans 10:17

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Friend, it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains, but none-the-less your mustard seed faith must be “fully persuaded that, what (God) has promised, He is able also to perform” ( Romans 4:21).

My challenge for you today is that you will begin to cultivate your faith.  Ask God to help your unbelief (Mark 9:24).  Ask Him to help you memorize scripture.  Then, when you are tested, ask God to help you persevere and to be patient while you “wait” for His promise to manifest in your life.

Romans 4:3

“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Will you believe God’s Word?  I mean will you “really” believe God’s Word?  Being righteous is simply a matter of believing the Word of God and trusting in His love for you.  

And remember… When someone says, “But what if God doesn’t?”  You simply say, “But what if He does!”

Mark 9:23

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Hallelujah!

Popularity: 7% [?]