Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. Hebrew 11:1-3 (NLT)
For Reflection:
Faith is trusting in what we cannot see. Our ancestors—the people of old—lived by this kind of faith. Their trust in God led them to experience His love, to build a boat on dry ground, and to follow His guidance into unfamiliar places. They believed in God’s never-stopping, never-giving-up, always-and-forever love.
Do I believe this? Does my faith reflect that amazing love? I take a minute to reflect on what I do by faith?
By faith, I open my Bible and believe God will meet me there.
By faith, I memorize scripture believing I will have access to truth when I need it.
By faith, I will surrender my thoughts to God, believing the wisdom of Philippians that says to take captive every thought.
By faith, I hold the heavy things of this world up to God believing that His presence will fill me with what I need to do my part to love those around me, family and neighbors alike.
By faith, I will continue to friend people who don’t look like me, believe like me or think like me.
By faith, I will pray for people who have yet to experience God‘s goodness, love, mercy and joy.
By faith, I will pray, audacious prayers like Jesus and trust that God can do anything.
By faith, I will pray the tiniest and even selfish prayers, knowing that God cares for the smallest detail and desires connection with me most of all.
By faith, I will connect with a small group believing in God‘s promise that where two or three are gathered there he will be.
By faith, I’ll reach out to a friend or family member who is yet to know how DEEPLY they are loved by God and continue to build a relationship and love like God loves.
By faith, I will invite a friend tea/coffee and build a friendship. I will enter the curiosity of God with them… What if there was a God who really loved us… Needing nothing from us, just longing for the chance to share the joy of the Holy Trinity with us?
By faith, I weep. I let sorrow in and let it flow through me. I get honest before God and feel the feelings, knowing that Jesus is near.
By faith, as the day turns into the night, I will love my people and not retreat, I will listen and enjoy their company.
By faith, I’ll let myself rest believing I am able to connect with God, self and others best from a rested state.
By faith, I begin to practice sabbath, resting from the relentless pursuit of purpose and letting my soul be refreshed.
Let us pray:
Abba, Thank you for the gift of faith that you freely offer everyone. Please help me to recognize the ways in which I am living in faith. Will you grant me the courage to see the ways I shy away from following you/embracing this faith? Thank you for your sweet love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I wonder what God will bring to mind if you ask Him to show you what you do by faith.