READ: Ezekiel 29,30; Psalms 137; Hebrews 11
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11: 6 And
without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him
must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
OBSERVATION: Mountain climbing
is an adventurous and risky pastime activity. Yet, it attracts many people.
Reaching the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is the
dream for many mountaineers. It needs a lot of physical preparation, exercise,
and good health before a person starts trekking. On the other hand, the journey
of faith is even more adventurous than mountain climbing but safe for all. Even
the weakest person can join in it. Instead of losing strength, many receive
strength and power in their faith journey. Hebrews 11 gives us a list of faith
heroes who trusted God and achieved great things for him. We see a variety of
people on this list. Faith was the common thing among all these great men and
women of God. “By faith,” they were able to do unthinkable and unbelievable
feats in their time.
As John Paton, one of the greatest
missionaries of the last century, says, “Faith is resting your whole weight on
God.” Faith in God is fundamental
to our Christian life. By faith, we receive our salvation. By faith, we too can
overcome all the challenges we face in our lives. It is our faith in God that motivates
us to live a godly life. In Heb.11:6, we see two characteristics of faith: anyone
who comes to God must believe in his existence; God rewards all who seek him. Can
a person come to God without believing that God exists? A person who believes
in God will show his/her faith in actions. Many Christians say they believe in
God, but their lives show otherwise. A life of faith is a life that depends on
God for everything and doing what he wants. God has called us to live such a
god-depending life. Trusting God, living in obedience to his word, gives us
great joy, enables us to do impossible things, and importantly pleases God. Our
Christian faith is not vain. It is more thrilling than any mountain climbing experience.
In our faith journey, we are never alone. God is always walking with us as a
companion and gives us the strength and rest we need during the journey. Mountaineers
may lose their interest once they reach the top of a mountain. “But those who
hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”
(Is.40:31). Let us examine ourselves: How do we walk with the Lord?
APPLICATION: Christian faith is
not rocket science. It is a simple faith that believes in God, depends on God, prompts
to obey God and his Word. God is the source and end of my Christian faith. “By
faith,” I can live for God and do His will for my life. “I have been crucified
with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live
in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself
for me” (Gal.2:20).
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for giving me the heart that believes you. Jesus, thank you for helping me
to live by faith. Lord, help me to hear your words every day and put them into
practice. Holy Spirit, give me your power to live depending on God always.
Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 320
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