March 28, 2023 – Reflections on “By Faith!”

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it, the people of old received their commendation. By faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3.    How strong is our God? Standing offshore of the mighty Pacific Ocean, I felt the undercurrent of God’s power in the waves trying to topple me. That was my first understanding of His Strength. “I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

What is this thing called Faith? It begins with believing that He IS and the creator of all creation, including us. While watching my great-grandson, I see his tiny feet that will one day be a man’s feet that carry him to many places. As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15b.

Faith is trusting the Word of the Lord. In this age of deception, we have a difficult time believing. From robo-calls to the words of men in leadership that become known as lies. Truth is, this: For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16.

Faith is commitment. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Psalm 37:5-6.

What was one of the first things God created? And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:3-4. Everything God created is used to teach us about God. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  Day-to-day pours out speech, and night-to-night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2.

Dad had a way of telling an Old Testament story to make it real to us, and this is how Abraham’s Faith became real to me. I read the By Faith Chapter, Hebrews 11. I was astounded by those listed on the Honor Roll of By Faith, and often measure my faith by their full commitment to an enduring Faith in God.

By Faith:

• Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain.
• Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, commended for pleasing God.
• Noah constructed an ark for the saving of his household, becoming an heir of righteousness.
• Sarah received the power to conceive, past the age, considered Him faithful who promised.
• Abraham was tested as he offered up Isaac, his only son, for sacrifice.
• Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.
• Jacob blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship
• Joseph made mention of the exodus of Israelites, giving direction for his bones.
• Moses was hidden for 3 months but grew up refusing to be called Pharoah’s daughter’s son. He chose to be mistreated with the people of God.
• Moses left Egypt and kept the Passover, so the Destroyer of firstborn could not touch them.
• The Israelites crossed the Red Sea on dry land, but the Egyptians drowned.
• Rahab, the prostitute, did not die, for she gave a friendly welcome to the spies.
• Also included were Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, and were made strong out of weakness.

Each day, we make another step into faithfulness by believing and trusting, and acting in God’s way. How do we begin this walk By Faith?

        Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Since God created us, He had a plan for each of us! He chose each of us before the foundation of the world for a purpose.

      For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

         At the baptism of Jesus, God declared how He feels about Jesus. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17.

How shall we live to please God? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8.

Shall we follow the desires of God or our own desires in this world? But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift are from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:14-17.

Living By Faith is taking a small step and persevering in trusting in our Lord God and Jesus, our Savior, acting on the Word we have heard! Turning our eyes on Jesus daily!