Fearless Faith and Awestruck Joy (Part3): The Heart of the Matter
Fearless Faith in the heart of the believer begins with the absolute confidence that God is the Sovereign Creator of the Universe and that He rewards those who diligently seek after Him. The question arises then, do you and I believe that God is Sovereign? Do we really believe that He rewards those who seek after Him? Are we looking for those rewards here and now or are we focused on our future with Him? If I know for a certainty that by investing now, I will in 20 years become a multimillionaire; would I squander that investment on frivolous items today? Too often, in the world of world finances we are not convinced with a certainty that our investment will be secure; thus, opting for today’s pleasure instead of tomorrow’s security. What about spiritually?
If I truly believe that in Christ I am God’s beloved, blessed, redeemed Child—heir of God’s kingdom; would I ever be worried about the cost of my investment here and now? If I truly believe that God’s promises are all “yes and amen” in Christ; could I ever worry about today’s trivial circumstances when all of eternity in His presence is mine? The Creator of the Universe longs for a relationship with me and was willing to pay the price of my sin that I might be able to walk with Him, talk with Him, and have His Holy Spirit always present within me.
How then is it that I would ever feel fear? How would I not always feel overjoyed with the awe and wonder of His presence? As I look at the majestic beauty of His creation which is only a tiny glimpse of the Glory of His common grace upon all of mankind, how would I not fall before Him in humble worship? When I look back at all that He has done just to draw me closer to Himself, how could I ever doubt for a split second His desire to do good to and for me in every circumstance?
Look at what Paul spoke to the men of Athens, “24 The God Who produced and formed the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade shrines. 25 Neither is He served by human hands, as though He lacked anything, for it is He Himself Who gives life and breath and all things to all [people].26 And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, and abodes),27 So that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.28 For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17 AMP)
He has through the ages made Himself known and has been ever near so that those who would seek Him could find Him and in Him find their solace and their rest. Still from Adam on man’s heart often desired to rise up and be their own God—man has sung the words with pride, “I’ll do it my way.” Man’s heart of pride leads to jealousy, envy, anger, frustration, bitterness and hate; yet, too often mankind so wants to rise up as the master of his own fate and that sets himself at enmity with God. Such was the case of Cain in contrast to that of Abel. If you go back to Genesis 4 and read about Cain and Abel. Cain did bring a sacrifice to God—his way, of the fruit of the fields; while Abel brought a sacrifice of his firstling—the best and the purest he had. Cain out of “obligation” and Abel out of love brought to God a sacrifice. God, seeing their hearts, did not accept Cain’s sacrifice and did Abel. That made Cain angry and jealous. Still, God spoke to Cain and graciously still offered him hope and a warning that sin was crouching at the door; but, if he did righteously by trusting God’s goodness and believed in God’s words (faith) then God would give Cain victory over sin. Cain’s heart was filled with pride and hatred that God did not accept the self-exalting, pride filled sacrifice he had offered. Cain then killed his brother and was exiled from God. Abel though only mentioned briefly in Genesis 4 is remembered again in Hebrews 11, as a member of faith’s Hall of fame. His sacrifice was given by faith and out of loving worship to God.
Mankind often looks on the outside at what people do or say. Often mankind looks at what a man has accomplished and believes that is what matters. This has been true throughout the ages. God looks at the heart of man. As we move on through faith’s hall of fame recorded in Hebrews 11; I am certain you will begin to see that faith is not the “one who always gets everything right.” God measures faith not the way man does. God looks at the heart of man and sees who truly, humbly is seeking after God. God knows who desires a relationship with God and seeks Him as their greatest treasure—a treasure above all else this earth could offer. He graciously fills their hearts with joy, hope, faith and love as they draw near to Him.
Listen to this, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. I would love to hear from you. How has God shown His love and grace today? Do you know the wonder and awe of His presence?
Amplified Bible (AMP)
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