Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. – Hebrews 11:1-3

This is the Christian’s most common definition of faith.  Faith is the reality of our hope.  What is our hope?  Most people hope for something better, although when you ask them what that betterment is they usually speak in terms of things.  An ease of life.  A smaller group would speak of living better by doing and being more as a person.  This group should be celebrated since they are closer to real Hope.  Either way, the hope is for something more than what is or what they are in this world.  Our faith, as Christians, is the reality of Jesus Christ.  He is the evidence of an unseen God.  He is more than what is or what we are in this world.  And through faith we know that He framed the world as it exists.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

You cannot come to God without faith in believing that He Is.  The Prodigal Son returned to his father because he knew he was a son of his father.  He believed in who his father was.   Without faith, we cannot return to our Father and our Father is most pleased when we return to Him.  He rejoices with all of Heaven when any one of us returns to Him.

In light of many recent events in my own life, the life of my brother, the life of my nephew, the observance of the sons and daughters of Christian friends, I see that in every situation where someone has made decisions for sin they have really made a decision away from faith.  Their adherence to the promises of God and their belief in Him knowing, through the words on 2,000 year old pages, what is best for them is waned.  At some point of ignorance and foolishness we believe that we know better than the God who made us.  Our faith is failing.  We are having a faith issue.  Whether it is deciding to divorce our spouse, do a drug, not do what our parents are saying, become a homosexual, or whatever it is, the real issue is faith.  We are saying that we know better.  Until we get our faith right, full correction is not possible.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.  For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.  And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.  But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. – Hebrews 11:13-16

But what about the cry that we are doing what God says and we don’t see how this is in our better interest?  Again, it’s a faith issue.  If I believe there is one thing that I know better about what is better for me than I am doubting God.  Here we see in Hebrews that many people didn't receive their promises but lived to the fullness of their life in faith anyway.  Their promises being made later and to others.  They lived and served faithfully for others, most of which they never knew.  Even though they could remember how to go back to where they had lived before and could have returned whenever they wanted, they still stayed faithful to God knowing that the fullness of their life was in Him and He was faithful to them.  

May we be as faithful for the remainder of our days!