Living by Faith

Living by faith is not some mystical attainment achieved by a few super-spiritual folks who have "God in their pocket." It is a comforting, everyday reality—trusting in a God who cares and is accessible and is still in charge. Others have led the way for us.

"Each one of these people of faith . . .

Abel,
Enoch,
Noah,
Abraham and Sarah,
Isaac, Jacob, and
Joseph,
Moses,
The Israelites,
Rehab of Jericho,
Gideon, Barak, and
Samson,
Jephtha,
David,
Samuel,
The prophets

. . . died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home . . . You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them." (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Sometimes we can see a long way off what we are hoping to become. We get little glimpses of the persons we would be if only we did not have this problem or that weakness or some other hurting place in us. If only . . .

And then, sometimes we cannot see at all yet who we will become in God's order of things. Wait! He's saying something to you . . .

Perhaps you have not heard that often enough in your lifetime. Perhaps you have not had the confidence to say it to yourself. Believe that as you walk in faith with God, He is saying it to you!

So then, "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item . . ." (Hebrews 12:2, 3)

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus! You may enjoy reading "Trophies of Grace" [here].

MaryMartha

Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.