“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews
11:1 NKJV
This is a
verse we frequently use as Christians when we are hoping for things
to work out for our best or even to encourage others
as they hope. But, how do we get to this point of hoping and
having the faith that the book of Hebrews is talking about?
It does not say that whatever it is we are hopeful for is
going to happen. It just says, have faith and hope. I believe
that usually it isn’t until “the hay hits the fan”
that we tap into that kind of faith. When there is nothing left
to pull from, we find ourselves at a decisive moment in our
lives where we will have to make a choice: do I believe that
I can have that kind of faith, or is it time to run for the
nearest exit? Faith has to become us...Let me
tell you a story to illustrate.
A few
years back our family went through a very rough patch.
The company I was working for decided to discontinue my
position, and I needed to find a job as soon as possible.
Out of the blue, my safe-secure rug had been pulled right
from under me. I had a family to to provide for and bills
to pay, but our bank account was shot. I applied to as many jobs
as I could, but nothing seemed promising. At this point, I could hear
those voices in my mind saying things like, “Why didn’t you save
any money or how can you put your family in this position?” I had
heard people “standing” on the Hebrews 11:1 verse, but
I never knew what it was like to be there - until now.
The choice had
to be made. I chose to believe that God knew I was going to be
let go from my job and by knowing He also had a solution. As much as
I did not want to be in that position, I needed to go
through the process of developing my faith. The kind of
faith that trusted “all things work together for the good for
those who love God” (Romans 8:28). Part of our human nature leads
us to think that at certain points we have to take over.
You know, as men,we are used to being the one to make
things happen, but I had come to the point that I realized I needed
to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me. Let me point out
that this is not about bad things happening to good people. It’s
about submitting our human mindset to the Heavenly Kingdom mindset in
Matthew 6:33 as Jesus instructs. Faith doesn’t
happen overnight. Faith is the result of a relentless
pursuit of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether we get
what we hope for, as Hebrews conveys, in this pursuit, we are bound
to discover that we truly have received everything as
we put our trust in Him.
_______________________________________
As men,
are you striving to get the things you are hoping for, or are
you trying to develop a faith that will sustain you through
the tough times?
__________________
This
was a guest post by Rick Cubas!
Rick
is the director of the SkyWay
Leadership Group in Texas.
Good post! Been there before, so I know what you're talking about. My job ended last month, so I'm now there again. Your prayers would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. So many great things come out of something like this. It is when we are at the bottom and truly no place to go that we can faithfully throw ourselves in the arms of a loving God. In reality, we have nothing to lose and there is only one way and that is up. I have been without a job - it is tough to be in that situation regardless. It might sound easy for me to say, "Don't worry you will a job pretty soon." but it is not. I am holding onto His promise, "He will never leave nor forsake." Remember when Jacob wrestled with the angel, he was not going to let him until he got his blessing. So for you, Gorges, and me - hold fast and don't let go of his promise.
ReplyDeleteRick