Fearless Faith and Awestruck Joy-Sealed in Righteousness by Faith and Grace
Where do we find a faith that stands fearless against the circumstances that surround us? Where is there a faith that allows us to stand for God when we are surrounded by evil? Where do we find the faith that allows us to believe God’s promises to provide a way through our darkest hour, a shelter through the storms of life, His Joy to carry us through our deepest sorrows, and His Grace to seal us in Christ as His righteous, chosen, blessed, redeemed children?
Hebrews 11 “7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
As time had gone by, the descendants of Cain continued to follow after their own selfish desires and intermarried with the descendants of Seth (who had been representative of those who followed after God). Less and less did anyone follow after or seek God in the world that God had created. Hero worship began as mankind grew stronger and stronger in the world-violence and corruption became their way of life.
picture used by permission of Ronald Barba, for more information concerning his art and how to obtain copies; please go to http://www.barba-art.com
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually…. and the earth was filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:5, 11). The word of God said, that God was grieved. God is grieved by man’s sin. God so wanted to share His love, joy and Glory; yet, man wanted no part of God’s gifts.
Enoch had preached of Christ’s coming one day to establish His Kingdom and to destroy all of sin forever, a day we still await; yet, his preaching fell on deaf ears. Noah must have heard about his great grandfather and how God had raptured him out of this corrupt world because of faith. Had everyone else forgotten or written it off as “fairytales”? What we do know is, “Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord…Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:8-9). So, if I live a good life and manage to not sin, that is what counts and causes God to shine grace upon me? I think we have read that backwards if we conclude in any way that it is my righteousness which earns me grace. Neither was it Noah’s perfect righteousness that bought him grace. Look at Hebrews 11:7 and Genesis 6:8 again. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord—not because Noah was perfect; rather because he believed God and walked with God. He believed that God’s wrath against man’s sin was real. He believed what his great grandfather spoke of when Enoch had said the Son of God would one day establish a kingdom without sin. He believed the truth of the gospel that would come to save mankind from their sin and would destroy those who chose not to accept God’s plan. He chose to believe in God; in spite of his living in a world that was filled with violence and sin. He walked with God—seeking God, desiring His presence, desiring that kingdom; therefore, Noah’s faith was counted to him as righteousness. He was sealed within the Ark, protected from God’s wrath against man’s sin; just as we who know Christ as our Savior are sealed in Christ. Because Noah believed, he built the Ark that God instructed him to. There had never been any rain before. Everyone jeered at him, mocked him, and said that he was crazy; yet, he kept on building the Ark because he believed God’s word to be true. Do you? What has God asked you to do for Him? Has He called you to witness to someone? Has He asked you to stand for truth when everyone at school or work would make fun of you? Has He asked you to sacrificially give of your time and your resources while here on earth it would appear you have no hope? Has He asked you to step out in faith and change your job? Where do we find fearless faith and awestruck joy?
1. Believe that God is the great I AM, keeper of the promises
2. Believe that God rewards those who diligently seek after Him
You might say, ok. I can see that is where fearless faith may come from; but, where do I find joy while building that boat? Building that boat requires a lot of toil, ridicule and pain; so where could there be any joy in that? Ah, yes, at first glance that would seem true; but I assure you the joy is found each little step of the way as your eyes become open to see glimpses of God’s Glory shining through the darkest storm clouds. Keep seeking after God and you will awaken one morning awestruck by the realization that Joy is your constant companion and no longer is your heart filled with fear because you know who holds you in the palm of His loving Hand of Grace.
Listen to this beautiful song of Grace. I See Grace
I would love to hear your stories of faith and how God has shown glimpses of His Glory in your life—you are invited to add your comments below.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who drew the picture above is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.