You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, ‘He who is coming will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. (Hebrews 10:36-38)
If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; thought he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)
I watched a great display of childlike faith when my family was here to visit. My nephew Andrew has managed to teach me many lessons of my Father in Heaven through his 5 years of life. The above photo is a perfect example of one recent lesson Andrew taught me.
He would jump from the edge of the pool into his dad’s arms. Notice, he has the floaties on his arms… so no matter what he would float. Yet, I watched Andrew say these words to his Dad, “Come closer Dad.” Andrew wanted to make sure that his dad would be there to catch him when he jumped. Dustin reassured him and let him know that he would be there. Dustin didn’t move closer, he didn’t argue with his son, he simply let him know that he would catch him when he jumped. Dustin has been an amazing father to his children, they have never had to doubt his love for them. They have never had to wonder if he will be there to catch them when they jump. He has given them no reason to doubt his love.
1 Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3 By FAITH we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
4 By FAITH Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By FAITH he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by FAITH he still speaks, even though he is dead.
5 By FAITH Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And 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.
I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. (Psalm 89:1)
FAITH is dead to doubts–
dumb to discouragements,
blind to impossibilities,
knows nothing but success.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)
Lord, give me a vision, a vision I need,
A vision of souls lost without Thee.
Help me to carry your message far and near,
To multitudes in darkness who have yet to hear.
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Lord, help me be willing to cross land or sea,
To hasten quickly, to set the captive free.
Of thy love and grace may they come to know,
That Jesus only, eternal life He bestows.