Inspired By Faith

Scripture:  Hebrews 11:1-6 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

As we read the 11th chapter of Hebrews (where we learn about the heroes of faith/great cloud of witnesses), we see an illustration of faithful men and women who were inspired by their faith in God to help them overcome their trials/tribulations.  They encourage us today to be anchored in our faith in God and His Word.  God is faithful to what He has promised to His people (Hebrews 10:23).  God called His people (born again believers) to walk by faith.  God will bless us and reward us for our faithfulness to Him.  A well-known acronym for faith is: F (forsaking), A (all), I (I), T (trust), H (Him).  When we exercise our faith, trust and confidence in God and His Word, we will be inspired/encouraged to move forward, because God has designed us to live by faith and not by sight. (Hebrews 2:4)  We increase our faith when we read the Word and apply it to our lives.  (Romans 10:17)  As our faith is increased, we will endure in the midst of storms in our lives.  Faith also in God will help us to rise above our circumstances so that we can walk in victory!  God tests our faith to stretch our faith so that we will come out of our comfort zone, and so that He can develop godly character in us.  Additionally, God tests our faith so that we will grow in faith and/or depend on God to do the impossible things that are beyond our human capability/mind.  God tested Abraham’s faith, and God turned the stumbling blocks into stepping stones.  God called Abraham to offer up his only son as a sacrifice, and because Abraham had faith in God,  he no longer was fearful about his circumstance.  He was obedient to God, surrendered his all to God, and he was willing to sacrifice his only son on the altar.  When Abraham stretched out his hand to slay his son, the Angel of the Lord called to him from Heaven and said -- Abraham do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him.  Now I know you fear Me.  Then he lifted his eyes and saw a ram caught in the thicket by his horns.  This was a type of Christ.  Abraham passed the test – believing and trusting God for who He is.  God is sovereign (meaning that God is in control of all things, and He rules over all things).  He is the ultimate source of all power and authority over everything in Heaven and Earth.  Because of Abraham’s obedience and faith, he was blessed by God.  (Genesis 22:3-18) Just like Abraham did, we as Christians must walk by faith and obedience to God in trusting everything into God’s hands and surrendering to God our possessions, jobs, families, and health.  (Hebrews 11:6) Are you truly walking by faith?

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  When I can’t see how everything is going to turn out, help me to exercise mustard seed faith in You – by trusting You for who You are.  You are a big and awesome God that is able to handle all of my problems and fears.  For that I say thank you Jesus for what you are going to do!!!  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Pastor Robert Williams)