Hebrews 11 (NIV) Selected Verses
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 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.
6 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.
Seeing is believing or is it? Have you ever been to a magic show? I saw Lance Burton, the magician, in Las Vegas once. He made a car disappear. Were you aware that they are called illusionists? Do you believe in magic? I don’t! But I do believe in the magic of believing. You see I don’t understand how a brown cow can eat green grass and give white milk but I know it does. When we enter a highway where the sign says 287 North, do we believe it will take us to our destination? How do we know?
God promised Abram (Abraham) that he would be the father of many nations when Abram and Sarai were childless. Would you have believed God? It took 25 years for the “Promise” to come to fruition. Sarai laughed at the possibility. Abram and Sarai wavered in their faith during that time. What would you have done? Do you believe in God? Do you believe that He will keep his promises? Really?
Do you think you deserve what God has promised? Do you understand how marvelous He has made you? Do you worry even though God says “fear not”? How’s your faith today? Do you focus on your problems rather than your Creator?
Well I have good news! You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are made in God’s image and likeness. He is mindful of you. You are a masterpiece; God called you very good. In fact, that was His highest rating for all of His creation. He has great plans to prosper you. You are holy, righteous and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. .He will uphold you with His righteous right hand!
I am learning to believe and trust God. He made promises thousands of years ago to Abraham and his sons. God reminded the sons of the Promise. The Bible chronicles the promises and their completion. He was trustworthy then and He is trustworthy now! Why not dig deep into His Word and learn the character that is in His heart. You will see promises made and answered. Unlike the financial advertisements, past performance IS and indication of future behavior. But first, you must believe. Why not trust God, walk in His ways and allow Him to prosper you today?
Thank you for your faithfulness Lord! You made promises that were Yours alone to keep and You have always kept them. Help us to trust and believe. In Your name we pray!