From the first book of the Bible, we read one example after another of God asking His people to step out in Faith. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Ironically, this was the was the verse that was placed under my Senior portrait in my high school yearbook. It was also the first verse that I ever memorized as a young, naive teenager. Admittedly, I would say that my understanding of faith was minimal at this point, however as the years have passed, God in all His goodness has gifted me a greater clarity.

 

Hebrews 11:23-31 offers us a beautiful recap of many Old Testament stories like those of Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Moses, and many more. And while each of these are vastly different stories when contrasted with one another by character, time, and place, there remains one commonality that encompasses them all – faith. God asked that they have faith in Him and walk obediently amid immensely challenging circumstances. For example, standing up to the wealthy and powerful King of Egypt, rejecting the luxuries offered to you, stepping into a sea that was promised to be parted as the only means of escape, and an unconventional plan to conquer a city that stood in the way are only a few to name. I certainly cannot assume their level of fear, doubt or worry, but what I am certain of is that God had a purpose in each of the trials, tests, commands and directions. And with each faithful step of obedience, the people of the Old Testament, unknowingly, played a part in God’s redemptive plan.

 

As we fast forward many centuries to our current day, God still expects the same faith from each of us. We may not understand the big picture.  We may never know the “why” of His request.  We may never see the fruitful impact of our obedience on this earth. However, what we can be sure of is that when we place our faith, hope and trust in the Almighty God, we are gifted the blessing of having a part of His miraculous plan.

 

Questions to Ponder: Are you willing to boldly set aside your fear, worry and questions of the unknown and faithfully surrender to whatever God is calling you to do today; all for His honor and glory?

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Prayer: Dear Jesus, I know that Your plan is perfect, and Your ways are flawless. Because of this, I place my hope and trust in You even in the many unseen moments of this life. And though my ability of comprehension is limited, I can rest assured that Yours is not. Because of this truth, I am confident that each moment is being worked out by You in perfect harmony. I pray for the wisdom and boldness to answer Your call to step out in faith so that I can be a useful tool in Your hands to make Your name known to the lost. In Jesus’ Name, Amen