Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
- Heb. 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
–Heb. 11:6

In our ladies Thursday morning Bible Study they are working through Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Yourself Study on The Fruit of The Spirit. My wife Robin and others in the study have remarked several times how applicable it is to our life as the First Church Family; during these days we examine what genuine faith really is all about. Beth identified one simple question that I think is applicable to all of us today. She set it up this way..

“Do you ever tire of riding the roller coaster of faith? Of being up one day and down the next? Of believing Him one minute and not the next? We can exercise our faith in God in one of two ways. One leaves us at the mercy of life’s constant ups and downs. The other is the key to steadfast faith – the way off the roller coaster to begin walking with God and practicing a faith that can’t be “greatly moved.”(Ps. 62:2). Every believer falls into one of these two categories on the basis of (their) answer to one simple question: Do you base your faith on what God does or who He is?

A person (whose faith is based on what God does) lives by the unspoken motto: I believe God as long as He does what I ask. Their faith is built on how often and how well God answers prayers. Such “faith” depends on results and is fueled by sight. Faith in what God does (alone) is your ticket to ride a roller coaster that ascends the hill during times when God’s activity is obvious and then barrels down the hill the moment God seems inactive. The process never stops. What about those times when God does not work according to your requests or expectations? What about those times when he obviously allows your loved one with cancer to glorify Him through restoration in heaven and not on earth? What happens to your faith when a child dies? If you faith is based (only) on what God is doing, you are in for the scariest ride of your life.

We will rarely be able to perceive God’s actions, though they will always and ultimately be wonderful. They are beyond our earthly understanding (Is. 55:8-9). In the times when He seems inactive, He may be accomplishing more than ever! You see, a “what God does” faith is not really faith at all. Although it is focused on God, it is still born in the realm of the obvious, or that which is seen. Genuine faith walks steadfastly with God for the pleasure of His company not his results.

The Bible reminds us that, “We live by faith and not by sight.” – II Cor. 5:7. If we focus on some of the stuff happening to us and around us; we can easily become discouraged. I’m so glad God is so much Bigger than our circumstances! Be encouraged! Live out your faith trusting in an amazing and all powerful God!

Yours in His Love,

Mark

PS – Congratulations to Governor Elect Mary Fallin and all our newly elected officials. Did you see her acceptance speech? The very first one she thanked was her father, as she pointed to heaven and said, “My Heavenly Father.” I was blessed by her witness. I trust you were too!