"By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, that in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure." Hebrews 11:17-19
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.
Thank you for always being there when I have fallen, but never utterly casting me down.
Thank you for being more than trustworthy.
Read Hebrews 11
Faith is:
- stepping out and trusting God will lead.
- not being afraid to do what seems contrary to the steps of 'success' in order to obey God.
- trusting in God's provision.
- not fearing failure, because you know God always has a plan, and His will be done.
- Obeying God, even when there seems to be no sense in it, because you believe in God's perfect will and that He will fulfill it despite your failures or mistakes or what appears to be your failures or mistakes.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." Hebrews 11:23-27
We need to live beyond this earthly life. Our focus needs to be beyond 'the now' and the pain and suffering we might experience, and keep our eyes on the future hope, even if we do not see the results of our faith in this earthly life.
One of the most common questions Christians have when they graduate from high school or college, or are about to graduate, is 'what is God's will for my life?' okay...Christians who desire to follow Christ ask this as well.
We hear stories about people being called to do this or that, may even have friends that say this, or have said this ourselves at some time. There is one thing we are created to do: Glorify God. There are three things every Christian is called to do:
- Believe
- Love
- Abide
When faced with a decision, these things must be a part of the decision-making process, with the ultimate question: How will God be glorified?
To be a Christ-follower is more than the things we do; it is the heart of who we are. It isn't a bunch of rules or 'do's and don'ts'. Being a Christ-follower begins with faith, follows with love, and results in more closely abiding in Christ.
Do what is right. Do what is before you to the best of your ability. Do by grace, with humility, and in love.
"For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Galatians 5:13-14
Lord, thank you for keeping things simple (and forgive me for complicating them).
Lord, thank you for the many blessings You have given me.
Thank you for the opportunities to believe, love, and abide.
