Learning to walk by faith
By faith, Abraham was on his way to a land known only to the Lord. Regardless of the personal cost and the opinion of others, Abraham began his journey. He left his family home of Ur and headed toward a new land known only by God. It was to be a place of promise and blessing. (Hebrews 11:8-10).
Abraham was not a poor man. He was a leader among his people. God had given him the ability to see beyond the immediate challenge to the blessings of the future. Abraham did not shy away in fear. He trusted the Lord and, in doing so, was able to touch the hem of heaven’s garment. (Luke 8:40-56) Scripture tells us that Abraham believed God, and his belief was "reckoned" to him as "righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).
Learning to live by faith involves a lot more than heroic feelings. The desire to obey God regardless of personal sacrifice is overriding.
What do you do when facing a challenge that seems overwhelming?
Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs you to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
The first requirement of living a life of faith is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. First we must know HIM in order to discern HIS will for our lives. God has a design in mind for every situation we face. There are no coincidences with God. There are blessings that come our way, and God is the architect behind each one. In times of trial and sorrow, He is working in ways unknown to us to bring goodness and hope out of each difficulty.
We must believe that He does what He has promised to do. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
No matter how small our faith seems at times, God is pleased when we trust Him. Even the slightest step of faith does not go unnoticed by Him. And we can be sure that just as He was faithful to the promise He made to Abraham, He will be faithful to us. Perhaps, one of the greatest blessings Abraham received was being called the friend of God. (Isaiah 41:8)
In times of failure, God does not want us to focus on our shortcomings. Instead, He wants us to set the focus of our hearts on Him. This is where faith springs to life.
We may falter. We may fail, but we must get up and keep moving forward. When Peter denied knowing Christ, Jesus did not deny knowing Him.
Stops & Steps 1579 06Feb2011