Faith, not presumption, is the measure of a Christian’s walk with Jesus Christ.
How many times as Christians have you heard Hebrews 11:1 quoted? In fact, if someone woke you in the middle of the night, and asked you to define faith, you probably could readily recite this passage.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Rote memory is fine, but do we really know what faith is?
If we do, do we truly believe? Is faith a part of our being? Does our faith give us peace…that perfect peace that we often hear about? Peace above human understanding? The peace we cannot explain? That peace which calms us in the midst of our storms?
Faith, for the Christian, is the acceptance of the Lordship of Jesus Christ - His absolute authority in our lives. But our relationship with Him has to be built on love, trust, and dependence.
Faith is believing God will fulfill His promises to us before they are fulfilled. <<Tweet This
Does our faith give us peace…that perfect peace that we often hear about? Faith in Jesus Christ pleases the true and living God. How wonderful it is to please God through His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God.
God in His mercy, not in a need to elevate Himself, inspired the saints of old to write their stories of faith for our benefit, to encourage, strengthen, and guide us along this Christian journey. These stories of faith can help us when we most need them. Because God will allow us, His children, to encounter trials and tribulations in this life we will be able to see Satan as he really is, and, prayerfully, motivate us to long for Zion.
Trials are not for our destruction, but to bring us ever closer to the Savior’s love and mercy during the turbulent journeys of life.
Nothing happens in our lives accidentally. <<Tweet This
God is aware: therefore, as difficult as each trial and tribulation may seem, God has weighed it in eternity for our good, and His glory.
Everyone has at least one faith test, a test permitted by God not for our failure but for our success. When the test comes, we may choose to submit and be defeated, or endure with the help of the Holy Spirit in order to be victorious in Jesus Christ here on earth.
During the sunshine period in our own lives we must be careful not to casually respond to a sister when she is struggling with life’s problems. Maybe depression and defeat have engulfed her. Words such as, “Oh don’t worry. God will work this out for you. Just hold on,” may sound trite and empty to her.
When emotionally bankrupted, we may have periods of doubt and wonder if we want to hold on. We may ask ourselves, “Faith, what is Faith? Am I really a Christian?” When we are going through these crucial difficult times, we need family and well-meaning friends more than anything to engage in serious intercessory prayer and fasting for strength and endurance. And when we see others are going through the same, we can become those prayer warriors for them.
My Prayer
Father, I want us be victorious here on earth for your glory. When I walk through the dark tunnels of life, I want to be still and know that You are in control. Continue to encourage and strengthen my faith in You. And remind me Lord, to pray for my hurting brothers and sisters who are struggling to believe. In Jesus name, Amen.
Joyce Rayner lives in Tennessee near her adult daughter and granddaughter. She is a Registered Nurse Clinician of more than four decades. She has authored numerous articles and been featured in publications on health and wellness. For 10.5 years she was the CEO for a Transitional Center for displaced male veterans. She has led Women's Bible Studies, Speaker, and has been a Women's Leader in her church. You can find Joyce at http://joycecrayner.org/index.html.