Growing in God - Part 4

Understanding Faith

Hebrews 11:1-7

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Faith is a difficult concept for many people. At times, I have wrestled with my own faith in God. Being a very practical Western male, I like see and touch the things that I believe, so faith does not always come easy for me. The writer of Hebrews explains that it is "impossible to please God" and that we cannot "draw near to God" without faith. Yet, so many Christians struggle with the concept of believing that there really is a God that loves them and cares for them. The reason I know they struggle is because they live their lives as though he does not exist.

We Exercise Faith Every Day

Faith should not be foreign to us. Everyday we exercise it. Think about how much faith you must have to go to a restaurant and know that there is not poison in your food. Think about the faith you place in the guy driving next actually knows what he is doing. Think about the faith you place in your doctor who is taking care of your physical body. We exercise faith everyday in something, so why do we struggle so much with placing our full trust in God?

Faith Like a Child

Jesus says that unless we become like little children we can have no part in him (Matthew 18). Jesus paints a vivid picture. My children trust me completely. I remember that they would leap off the side of the pool even when they could not swim because they knew I would not let them drown. They have the ultimate trust that I will not abandon them, hurt them, or place a burden on them that they cannot carry. In the same way, this is the type of faith we should have in God. We need to be confident that he in complete control of the universe, and he cares enough about us that he is working everything for our good (Romans 8:28).

Questions

What are some areas in which you lack faith? Forgiveness? Health? Finances? Goodness of God?

How can you start trusting God in these areas (be practical)?

Prayer

Mark 9:24

24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief."

Psalm 31:19

19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!

Father, I think you that you are good and your mercy and grace is forever. Even though I struggle with unbelief, help me to trust you more and more each day. Amen.