Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:1,6
How does one have a Faith that is fearless to face all of life’s trials, a hope that sees beyond the storm clouds, and a steadfast, abounding Joy no matter what life brings? Throughout the book of Hebrews, we see these huge warning signs for all those who are “lukewarm” toward Jesus. Warning! Do you really know Him as your Savior and High Priest? Or do you only half-heartedly use His name? Warning! There is no other way to stand before God’s Throne except to have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus for atonement of your sins. Yet, for those who believe and who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior by asking Him into their heart; the book of Hebrews reveals the magnificence of the Grace we have been given. It gives us also the fundamental keys to unlocking a life of fearless faith, everlasting hope, and steadfast joy that is undaunted by the storms of this life.
There are three keys to living this Christian life while soaring above all of life’s storms. These are:
1. Know Who God Is
2. Know the Purpose for which you were born
3. Know your true identity in Christ
This week I want to explore each of these in more depth. Let us begin with #1. Faith is knowing “God is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Let’s break this down a little further.
GOD IS:
Omniscient, Omnipotent, All Powerful, All Mighty, The Great I AM, Sovereign, Creator of all the Universe. Do you Know This with all your heart, spirit and soul? For if you really know this as true; why would you ever worry? Is there anything too big for God? Certainly you look around and see so much evil, distress, and sorrow! Yet, were it not for God’s Sovereign Hand of Common Grace sustaining the world; we would have surely plunged into utter chaos, destruction and shattered in the abyss of hell long ago. It is His Grace that waits, enduring the agony of watching man’s evil rebellious hearts; while awaiting those who will call upon His name to come.
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Romans 9, 22-23
Since God is Sovereign, that means nothing happens in my life but what His hand of Love Ordained it. His promise is that:
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
Therefore, when I recognize who God is and that His plan for me is always good; why would I ever fret or worry? What I might at first think looks bad, God is working for my good. Knowing that, there is no such thing as a “bad day” or “bad circumstance”. There may be storms that send me running to seek God’s guidance, Yes! There are times I may not fully understand the why; but, I can always trust that in the midst of every circumstance God has a wonderful, miraculous plan for my good.
So, key 1 is Know Who God Is.
We will further explore key 2—The Purpose for Which You Were Created on Wednesday and then Key 3-Knowing Your Identity in Christ will be our topic for Friday. I hope you can join me. My greatest desire for you is to show you the marvelous hope, joy and love that you can know in this Christian Journey. Life appears tough at times—I certainly am testimony to that!! Yet, God has provided a way for us to soar high above the storms of this life and know His Joy, His Peace, His Love, and to share in His Glory!!
The Song I chose for you today is: O My Soul, Arise
Photo used by purchased permission: Copyright: <a href=’http://www.123rf.com/profile_hasenonkel’>hasenonkel / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
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.