Hebrews 11:1-3
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
Joyce and I once lived in a gated community that required using a remote control device to open the gate. It was designed in such a way to prevent unauthorized persons from entering. Only with the box that had been provided to us could we open the gate.
Faith may be defined as the gate that leads from our poverty to God’s power. In making that statement I do not wish to give rise to a name-it and claim-it theology. All too frequently people use God’s promises for their own selfish desires.
As we read chapter eleven in Hebrews, it is almost like walking through God’s hall of fame of the faithful men and women who trusted God with their all. These heroes of the faith saw something that was more important than life. They might have been shy and quivering cowards at one time in their lives, but they saw something that gave them courage and backbone worthy of merit.
These heroes of the faith stood tall and trusted God rather than circumstances. It was the faith of these heroes that brought joy to God’s heart. He is delighted by men and women who choose to place their faith in Him rather than compromising with the world.
Down through the ages of history—even to our present day—there are men and women who have placed their reliance on things which are seen only by faith in God. In many cases believers have endured pain, torture and death, knowing that eternal bliss waited just beyond their final breath.
Songwriter Oscar Eliason wrote, “Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?” He answered his own question as he continues; “God specializes in things thought impossible, and He can do what no other power can do.”
Every Christian faces obstacles along life’s pathway and walking in God’s will doesn’t guarantee that our way will be easy. In fact we are told that there will be tribulations in this life. But no matter how difficult the circumstances, we can trust God to open the gates in His time and for His purposes. When He does, we can go forward by faith.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil