Living 4 Him

“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1(NIV)

We visit the same story as last month, but examine a different question. The disciples are crossing a lake in a boat with Jesus who is taking a nap.  A fierce storm comes upon the boat, tossing it from side to side and the men are afraid.  When they awaken Jesus, he calms the storm and asks them, “Where is your faith?” Luke 8:25

He asks this question, not in an accusatory manner, but in a way that causes us to think more deeply about one particular word, “where.”   Where is our faith?  Is our faith in the limited frail attempts of our own making or is our faith in the all-knowing, all-powerful God who has created the world and knows exactly how to operate this world?

If we try to navigate the world all by ourselves we often end up frightened, unsure, lost in a maze of confusion.  However, if we take God’s hand, placing ourselves in his wisdom, trusting him to walk us through whatever comes our way, we conquer amazing feats. 

Is your faith in yourself or is it in God?  As well-known Bible teacher and speaker Joyce Meyer says, “Without God I am nothing.  With God I am everything.”  

Building a life of faith is a day by day decision to stay near God and consult him as life unfolds.  Our faith holds weight.  Each step of belief is like a brick in a strong staircase, leading us to a broader, richer fulfillment in life.

Faith in God has tremendous power to hold us.  Don’t let it go.

The history of the famous Apostles’ Creed tells us that shortly after Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit had come upon the apostles, they wrote down their beliefs and those words became the Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.

      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic* church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.

*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

This faith, spelled out in sentences, strengthened the disciples as they began a ministry in the name of Jesus.  This faith has spread to millions of people and continues to fortify people in their daily living. 

Faith in God benefits us in so many ways.

Faith brings us peace.  We do not feel alone, but trust in God’s presence as our guide and our hope.

Faith pushes us to work for God.  Our tasks feel purposeful when we believe God is involved.

Faith empowers us.  Placing our faith in God boosts our confidence and skill in whatever we face.

Faith pleases God.  Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, ” 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.”

Where is your faith?  Each new day make sure your faith is in the One who created you and loves you!

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your life):  Bolster your own faith by reading the faith chapter in Hebrews 11.  For extra reading about faith, read Hebrews 10: 19-39.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Write your beliefs about God into your own daily creed that you can live from each day.