Out On the Limb of Faith

Heard a speaker on the radio recently who was defining the faith journey of people from the Scriptures. He explained that each person stepped out in faith before God came and moved in their situation.  

So often in our lives, God wants us to make the first move in faith.

But just what is this thing called faith? What is it made of and how can we practically implement it into our lives on a daily basis into the core of who we are?

Let's look to what the Bible says about faith

"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not evealed to the senses].  For by [faith - trust and holy fervor born of faith] the men of old had divine testimony borne to them and obtained a good report  by faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible ... But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him.  For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who eanestly and diligently seek Him [out]" (Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, Amplified).

1. Faith is an inner assurance and conviction - about who God is and that he has good things for our lives (v. 1)

2. Many have gone before us in the life of faith - their faith is defined as a holy fervor - does our faith look like this? (v. 2)

3. One of faith's core convictions is that God has ordered the ages and is in control of our lives too (v. 3)

4. Faith is essential in order to please God - we can't draw near without the core belief that he exists and rewards us for sincerely seeking him in our everyday lives.

Let's move out on the limbs God has called us to in our lives.  In holy fervor, as those gone before us, may we trust God is in control of our lives (just as he has ordered the centuries).  

God desires and rewards a faith that trusts and seeks him.