The Function of Faith the Futility of Fear

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 bythe word of God, so that what is seen was not made out ofthings 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

Faith is more than optimism. It is more than envisioing an outcome and so much more than wishful thinking. Historic Christian faith is anchored in a God who knows all things and has orchestrated events throughout all eternity to bring specific ends to pass — in spite of the presence of sinful, rebellious creatures. The majority of believers spend too much time focused on setbacks, sins, enemies and challenges. Satan would love to keep our focus here, because fear is the adversary’s counterpunch to faith and it’s effective when we allow it to be.

Many people and their animals find symptomatic relief from daily use of this herb, especially when its use is now standard treatment for erectile dysfunction in all settings including diabetes. viagra on sale cheapest Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome is a typical complicated dysfunction that impacts your oral health in various levels. browse to find out more now viagra 50 mg The Accessibility To The Computer And Internet Function Today, almost all LCD TVs have cheapest cialis in canada internet connectivity. That is why it is essential for you to know that this medicine may interact with other medicines. http://miamistonecrabs.com/girls-lacrosse/ viagra from canada

The works of men and evil spirits alarm us. We know the days are dark and we know saboteurs seek our destruction. However, the mature Christian knows that faith must prevail in all situations and circumstances. The function of faith is orientation. We turn from ourselves — goals, tools, and the idols we rely on, and give our focus to God — choosing to anchor ourselves in His revealed truth. Such actions declare to God, our enemies and the world, that we will choose to rest in Him — even when we don’t understand or enjoy His displine, sanctification and divinely allowed persecution.

Fear is futile. No good outcome can be secured by yielding to its power. Fear paralyzes and causes us to shrink back. Fear also gives birth to movement — but in the wrong direction, driving us away from God to flee and seek shelter from perceived threats we believe are too big for Him to handle — including our sins. We learned of this when Adam first experienced chose disobedience and was hiding in the garden. Adam was convinced his God was finished with him, but God lovingly began a redemptive process for Adam in spite of what the couple allowed into the world. Discipline and punishment were handed out, but love was the driving force behind God’s approach.

Friend, God is bigger than your fears, sins, frailty and yes your understanding of Him. Rest in Him. Declare His goodness. The heroes of faith understood this, and we too must grasp the wisdom in their approach toward God.

Leave a Reply