FAITH

Hebrews 11 has been called the Faith chapter. The book of Hebrews penned by Paul, was written to Christians who were in danger of abandoning their faith due to increased opposition and persecution. Paul appeals to those Christians and to us to remain faithful by citing the example of the faith of some Old Testament persons in Israel’s history.
Faith is contagious and our personal faith can be strengthened when we hear about the struggles and faith testimonies of others.

Writing this journal has helped my faith to grow. Reading Scriptures like Hebrews 11 helps my faith to increase as I read about the trials and steadfast faith of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and others.

When everything is going well, it is easy to stay faithful to our beliefs or to not think about what we do or don’t believe. No one gets through life without some trials or tribulations. All of us will face some difficult or painful situations during our lifetime. I find that as one seeks and searches for answers during loss, illness, financial crisis’s, or other painfully difficult times, we are emptied of things that we thought were important and God can fill our spirits with Himself and His Spiritual wisdom and teachings. Circumstances force us to prioritize our lives and we become more aware of what is important in direct contrast to the unimportant and temporal trivia which we have been spending our time, money, and energies on.

In Hebrews 11, Paul writes, “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen”. "It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen”.

Jesus said, in Hebrews 13:5-6, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” Then Paul writes in verses 6-8, “That is why we say in confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid, What can mere mortals do to me?” “Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust The Lord as they do. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

I believe and have been given the gift of faith. I want to trust and be obedient like those spoken about in Hebrews 11. God will honor me as I honor Him. I am not ashamed of The Gospel and as I stand out in faith, my faith increases. As I write these words, God is working in my life. I pray for my family and friends, at least, daily. I pray for myself and ask God to make me His vessel, a vessel to be used where he needs me.

Thank you Lord for giving me the gift of faith and for showing me what you would have me to say and how you would want me to serve.