I regularly need to bolster my confidence in the Lord; the Bible is always my resource. Lately, the truths found in Hebrews (Chapter 11) have been incredibly helpful to me. Often referred to as the “Hall of Faith”, the author brings us to a place of remembering the past, in order to bring clarity to the present. Look at how the chapter begins:
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in the days of old earned a good reputation.” — Hebrews 11:1-2 (NLT)
Meditate on these verses with me. These truths bring me confidence by changing my perspective. I ask myself a parade of questions:
- Does my lack of confidence reflect my faith?
- What do I hope for?
- Is it even plausible that what I hope for will actually happen?
- Is my faith helping my assurance in what I cannot see?
- Are the examples of faith from the days of old, and even in the present, enough for me?
Of course, God may give you a whole different set of questions to ask yourself. My point is this — the Lord has answers! Good answers. Not the “this should appease you for a while” answers, but solid, foundational, life-giving, truthful answers.
As if that wasn’t enough, He goes above and beyond by giving us examples of real people, from the past and the present. People like you and me — ones who are living by faith. People who are unsure of what to expect moment by moment, but with enough confidence in the Lord to move forward.
This is our time and opportunity to confidently live by faith in Jesus. I believe that one day very soon, those of us who know Him, will be with Him. Living by sight, seeing Him, and realizing all that He has promised us.
Confident in Christ!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor