By Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Fame of Faith.” In this chapter, we see a survey of many of the people in scripture who, by God’s grace, were able to do amazing things. However, it is not these people who are the heroes of their various stories, but God Himself. It is in this chapter that we see a summary report of the faithfulness of God to those who put their trust in Him.

This chapter begins by defining faith. We are told, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 12:1, ESV). One of the key words in this verse is, “conviction.” If you do not have the conviction that God is going to see you through, that He will provide, that He is guiding your steps – then you will never accomplish anything of significance for the Kingdom.

As we read Hebrews 11, we will see a re-occurrence of the phrase, “by faith.” This phrase in not used once, twice, or even a dozen times. This phrase is used twenty-two times as we are reminded of the great works of the men and women of the past. It is, “by faith,” they were able to accomplish the works that they did. Or, you might say, it was through a strong conviction of things not seen that they were able to accomplish what they did.

How is your faith? Put your name in this sentence and fill in the blank: It was by faith that Darrell __________________________________________. What might we do if we will simply operate “by faith.”

Remember the startling warning of Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him…” (ESV).

Dare to Obey

So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul,

in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations

around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they

perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 6:15-16

Is there anything more exciting than seeing God move in a powerful way to accomplish what otherwise seemed impossible? To see God step in and do on our behalf what we could not do on our own creates a sense of awe and humility all at once. This was the very experience of Nehemiah and the people he served with.

Nehemiah had set his mind to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Others had tried before him and failed. Even now, some thought Nehemiah had lost his mind and others made it their life purpose to oppose him. However, the task that Nehemiah had set his mind to was one to which God had clearly called him. With this clear sense of calling, Nehemiah set about the task of rebuilding.

A quick read of the book of Nehemiah reveals that he faced all sorts of obstacles. He had to gather resources, recruit people, deal with opposition, and keep the construction project moving forward in general. There was plenty of opportunity for Nehemiah to get tired and frustrated. However, Nehemiah kept pressing on while often turning to prayer. Nehemiah’s persistence and dependence on the Lord paid off. He tells us that, “the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days” (Nehemiah 6:15). Not only did Nehemiah finish the project, he did it in an amount of time that no one thought possible. In fact, he goes on to say, “when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16).

It is my heart felt conviction that any follower of Christ has a call on his/her life. God has a purpose for you. However, rarely is that purpose easy to accomplish. God’s call is intended to shape us and form us. Development of an individual does not take place in ease. It is through the challenges and struggles that we learn to depend on God. As you explore God’s call on your life, know that like Nehemiah, you will have to lean on the Lord. However, as you do, God will bring you through. In the end, your perseverance and God’s faithfulness will become your testimony to others. Dare to step out in faith as Nehemiah did.

Yes, You!

There are times that God will call us to something bigger than ourselves. When this call comes, it is not uncommon to feel fear or apprehension. However, what we do in this moment of pause is of vital importance. On the one hand, we can be paralyzed by fear which will lead to inaction. On the other, we can proceed in faith and allow God to do in us what we cannot do ourselves.

Moses faced such a dilemma. He did not view himself as a leader or as particularly competent. All Moses could see was his past and the failures that had mounted in his life. However, God chose Moses to be the one who would lead Israel out of her slavery in Egypt. Moses would be the one to approach Pharaoh and let him know that God had said it was time for the people of Israel to go free.

When God’s call came to Moses, he did not exactly respond in confidence. In fact, Moses says, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Moses was only looking at his own resources and abilities. However, God responds by saying, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain” (Exodus 3:12). God was not fixated on what Moses could do, but what He could do through Moses. So sure was God that this would work that He spoke of the end result as if it had already happened – “you shall serve God on this mountain.”

When God calls you out, do not think of all the reasons you cannot do what He is asking. Instead, look for God’s promised presence. If God has promised to be with you, then pursue His call with all you are. Do not allow fear or disbelief to stand between you and God’s will. Allow God to use you in spite of your weaknesses. If you wait until you think you are ready, you will never move.