Faith

Hebrews chapter 11 is called the faith chapter. It lists all sorts of people whom God found faithful. If the writer of Hebrews were writing it today, would you (or I) be included?

It is up to us whether we hold onto our faith or let it go.

During times of trouble is not the time to lose our faith. That is when we need it the most. Faith is the thing that will take you through the problem. It is what will bring you through the temptation to sin.

Mt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.

This verse should encourage us to hold to our faith. Christ is saying here that He is with us all the time.

We judge sometimes how we are doing with our faith by how people around us are doing with theirs. If they are doing well, we feel we maybe aren't measuring up and get down on ourselves. If they are not doing well, then we may feel that we are doing great cause at least we are doing better then they are. Sigh. This ought not to be. We should judge how we are doing, by how we are doing. Not how some one else is doing. That has nothing to do with our faith walk.

Read all of Hebrews 11. Then think about this.

God could have sent Jesus in any form, angel, ruler, warrior, etc. But He sent Him as a man. So that He could experience all the temptations and trials that we would face. So that we could more easily relate to Him.

Sometimes we lose sight that it takes faith to follow God.

Here is a quote my pastor used to use when he was a youth evangelist.

Sin will take you further then you planned to go, keep you longer then you planned to stay, and cost you more then you were willing to pay.

Heb 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.

We have all studied that verse. Most of us can quote it. But here is my question. When you are in the midst of a trial or temptation, do you pull out this verse and wave it in the devils face? Do I? We should.

What draws you away from your faith?

Faith is between you and God. It is a personal thing between you and God. No one can give you faith except God. People can use their faith to pray for you, but if your faith doesn't join with theirs you may have a problem.

The Jesus of history and the bible is the Jesus of your faith. Remember all the miracles He did, remember all the promises He gave us. He is still the same Jesus. He can still do all those things through you and for you.

Heb 10:38 says Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back; my soul shall have no pleasure in Him.
:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Lord let verse 39 be said of us.