Faith
“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 WEBU)
Strong’s dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words defines faith as: established, trustworthiness, firmness, security, steady, truth, assurance, reliance, persuaded.
Hope in the Bible means expectation or confidence. It means belief.
We are not reconciled to God by the things we do, called works. Rather, it is by faith. We have to believe first. Then, when we believe, the desire to do things for God naturally follows.
“Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16 ESV)
Justified means “to render innocent, be righteous.” Righteous means “equitable, innocent, holy.’ These definitions are from Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries.
When you get on an airplane, you often don’t see the pilots, but you have faith they’ll be there, or you wouldn’t get on. You trust that the pilot knows what he’s doing and will deliver you safely to your destination. It’s the same with God. You have to believe first, or you won’t get on board.
Some people will not get on a roller coaster because they do not trust the restraints. Others believe enough to get on and strap in. As the ride continues, their confidence and trust grow. The more they ride, the less they fear and the more they enjoy. So it is with God. As we live with him and trust in him, our faith in him and his provision grows stronger and stronger. As our confidence increases, so does our joy.
Dear God,
You’ve known me since before time. You know everything about me, down to my deepest secrets and fears.
Please help me with my faith. Please strengthen it to serve as a deep foundation that withstands all the pain, trouble, and suffering of this world.
Please let me notice where you are working and know that it is you.
Please send me the things I need to build my confidence in you and to follow your commands.
Amen