The Pastor's Place

It was by faith... that's what following Jesus is all about.  That's how you become a "hero" of faith!

After reading Hebrews 11, I wondered what my statement of faith would sound like?  "By faith, Jeff trusted God and moved to Kentucky."  ha!  (And yes, that WAS a huge step of faith!)  Seriously, I've found myself praying for a number of people who are going through difficult situations.  This morning I thought about what their statements of faith might sound like.  I can't list them here, but I prayed that their testimony would become true.
The bottom line: We don't get to be heroes of faith without actually walking by faith.  Believe me, that's what your family and friends need.  It's what the Church needs.  And it's what our world needs.  More heroes of faith.  More men and women who have their eye on the One who is invisible.  Believers who are trusting the One who is gracious and merciful and whose promises and commandments are completely trustworthy.

• By faith, they trusted God's promises.
• By faith, they refused to compromise with sin.
• By faith, they kept right on going, in spite of setbacks and disappointments.

What would your testimony, your statement of faith, sound like today?  Try it.  Think about your life, the past and recent events, and fill in the blank - "By faith..."  If you're having a hard time, it may be an indicator that you've been trusting your own way.  It's time to step up, step out, and trust God.

Check out the words to this old hymn.  It's my prayer that they become part of your testimony.

Living by Faith
I care not today what the morrow may bring,
If shadow or sunshine or rain.
The Lord, I know, ruleth o'er everything.
And all of my worry is vain. 

Living by faith
In Jesus above
Trusting, confiding
In His great love
From all harm safe
In His sheltering arm
I'm living by faith
And feel no alarm.  

Tho' tempests may blow and the storm clouds arise;
Obscuring the brightness of life.
I'm never alarmed at the overcast skies,
The Master looks on at the strife. 

Living by faith
In Jesus above
Trusting, confiding
In His great love
From all harm safe
In His sheltering arm
I'm living by faith
And feel no alarm. 

I know that He safely will carry me thro'
No matter what evils betide;
Why should I then care, tho' the tempest may blow,
If Jesus walks close to my side. 

Labels: Faith, faithfulness, Hebrews 11, heroes