Faith
OPENING PRAYER:
Jesus thank you for all those who have come before us that give us examples of what faith lived out looks like. Show me today how I can live out my faith in you.
READ:
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13
REFLECT:
Hebrews 11 is a list of those that lived by faith. The people listed did not live to see the Messiah but had faith that God had a plan to restore his people to right relationship with him. Hebrews 11 defines faith as being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (v1). These examples of faith were sure in their hope that God was working out his love for his people by providing a way to be restored to him. They continued to display their faith even though they could not see God.
How difficult is it to hold on to our faith during the chaos and the difficulty? Are we grounded in what we hope for and certain of what we do not see enough that we can stand firm in our faith amidst the storms? C.S. Lewis says, “Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances.” As believers in Christ, we can stand strong during trials and changing circumstances knowing that we have faith in a God who is real, who loves us and is working to restore his kingdom on earth. Our faith is not blind and unrooted. Our faith plants us firmly to God.
APPLY:
Read Hebrews 11. Consider all the people of faith listed. Think of all they faced and what their faith was able to see them through. We can persevere in difficulty by looking to those whose faith has seen them through their trials and suffering.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Jesus, be with me today as I live out my faith. Help me to hold firm to your foundation through any difficulty.
WORSHIP: