Posted on 11/02/2018 11:29:54 PM PDT by metmom
"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for" (Heb. 11:1).
Faith is the solid ground on which we stand as we await the fulfillment of God's promises.
An elderly man who, on his seventy-fifth birthday, received an invitation to fly over the little West Virginia town in which he had spent his entire life. Although he had never before flown, the man accepted the gracious offer.
After circling the town for about twenty minutes, the pilot safely returned his passenger to the ground. The man's grandson greeted him excitedly, asking, "Were you scared, Grandpa?" "No," he replied sheepishly, "but I never did put my full weight down."
Unlike that hesitant grandfather, true faith trusts fully in its object. For the Christian, that means resting in God and His promises. That's the primary characteristic of each faithful individual listed in Hebrews 11. They all believed God and responded accordingly.
People often confuse faith with a wistful longing that something, however unlikely, will come to pass in the future. But "assurance" in Hebrews 11:1 speaks of essence and reality— the real thing, as opposed to mere appearance. Faith, then, involves absolute certainty.
For example, the Old Testament saints had the promise of a coming Messiah who would take away sin. They believed God, even though their understanding of Messiah was incomplete and somewhat vague. They knew their hopes would be fulfilled, and that assurance dominated their lives.
It's the same for New Testament believers. Peter said, "Though you have not seen [Christ], you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls" (1 Pet. 1:8-9).
Man's natural tendency is to trust only in the things he can see, hear, touch, or taste. But our physical senses may lie, whereas God cannot (Titus 1:2). Far better to believe God and trust in His promises.
Suggestions for Prayer
Which promises of God are especially meaningful to you today? Thank Him for them and reaffirm your commitment to living on the basis of His Word.
For Further Study
Skim Hebrews 11 and note all the divine promises you find there. To gain a fuller understanding of each one, find other Scripture references that mention the same promises.
Studying God’s Word ping
I moved to a new city after signing a 2-year contract to work through a contractor company. This week, after just eight months, the contract is being ended early. It will mark the fourth time this decade that I have lost employment for no greater crime than being in the wrong subgroup of people that an executive decided was no longer needed.
When I took the position, I was praising God for His wisdom. It seemed like His fingerprints were all over the change. I was resolute then and am still resolute today that the Lord had a reason to bring me here. In the world’s eyes, I made a big mistake. But I know God has his reason and plan. I am praying for the next job and hoping/trusting it will be better than the one I took to come here.
I’m not patting myself on the back as a champion of faith. All I’m saying is that each step down this path only solidifies my conviction of God’s faithfulness and worthiness to lead me although I do not know where. All I know is it will be better than the last step.
Praying for you.
Many of us have been in situations where we are left wondering what God is up to.
I will pray that He provides you with yet another one, one a lot more stable.
You are ready and willing to accept the Lord’s leadership in your life. He has brought you to this place. He will not fail you. Rest in the knowledge that He is your provider. Look joyfully each day for the blessings He brings into your life. A job is just a job but your eternal soul is all you truly have. Hide your soul in the rock of your salvation and you will know the peace of the Father.
I have moved many times in my 80 years. Not always was it joyful because there were times I did not want to lose what I had. In spite of my weak faith the Lord has always provided for me. He has placed me beside sweet water on the banks of beautiful rivers and streams. He has protected my soul from the weapons of those who have hated me.
You know the Lord is your Father and His love for you will never fail.
Thanks so much for sharing. I read to my husband as we are working on a lifestyle change. The things that have happened are a battle for our salvation. We are leaning to get out in front of problems with Jesus. Its just all stuff but eternal life is THE goal.
Your marriage is the manifestation of your unity with Christ.
Blessed Assurance ping!
Yes, blessed assurance of salvation. Maybe someone should write a hymn called Blessed Assurance. 😁😇🤣👍
God's promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). I learned this lesson over many times seeing Him do exactly that. It is one of the ways He grows and matures our faith.
“God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.”
Words to live by.
Thank you. The most puzzling times to me are still the ones when there seems to be misfortunes where I look at God and say “what did I do to deserve this??” It’s wrong thinking, I know, as we are all to endure hardships for none is greater than His Master who was lied about, tortured and executed for our sins yet I am asking Him to step up for me this month in a very big way so I’m trying to keep this all in perspective and respond by faith rather than by sight.
It may all yet work itself out and I am trying to be faithful. Perhaps it’s the “trying” that He wants me to let go of.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.