We are saved by grace though faith (Ephesians 2:8). This is the first step. Faith is the beginning and it is being confident and certain (Hebrews 11:1 & 6).
There is a link between faith and hope. Hope is for the future and faith makes sure of that hope of eternal salvation. Faith is having hope in God. We believe that God will keep His promise. Our encounters and experiences with God keep that hope alive. We know God for ourselves and we have the evidence.
Faith lines up with something that is tangible. The Word does not speak of blind faith. Our faith must be on the One who is always there and who was there from creation. All around in creation we see the evidence that cannot be disputed, that there is a greater being who is God (Psalms 8 & 19). This evidence was seen as Luke wrote his gospel (Luke 1:1) and when Peter spoke of his experiences as an eyewitness. It was also seen by Thomas in John 20:24.
When Abraham was tested, he obeyed God and did all that God told him to do and it was counted unto him as righteousness (Hebrews 11:8, Romans 4:1-3, Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham knew the God that spoke to him. The less we know God, the less our faith will be. Our faith must be based on the Word of God. Abraham’s faith and our faith must be the same faith. He is the father of faith. We can do what Abraham did.
The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17). Faith and trials go hand in hand. Great men in the Bible all conquered by faith (Hebrews 11:32-34). In the midst of fiery trials, faith kept them focused even in their death. Their faith remained strong and the world was not worthy of them (Hebrews 11:35-38). Our desire must not be to please the world but God. We must keep our minds fixed on Jesus who is the author and the finisher of our faith and our hero (Hebrews 12:2).
Faith without works is dead, our faith must do something. What is your faith accomplishing? We must take our faith and do great things for God. There is a faith in us that we can take and do great things that will please God and bring glory and honour to His name.
Put your problem on your pillow and leave it there. Though times are tough economically and otherwise, we must live by faith and by the will of God. Live by faith and please God. God kept those who were in the old covenant to come together with us who are in the new covenant so that at the consummation of the Church, we will all be together. God has delayed it that we too can benefit. They are rooting for us; they are encouraging us and cheering us on.
