Devotion by: Lynne Roots
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and ‘he was not found, because God had taken him.’ For it was attested before he was taken away that ‘he had pleased God.’ And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
“Faith is the foundation . . . .”
“My faith looks up to thee…..”
“If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed….”
Faith as defined by Mr. Webster is “unquestioning belief.” Not just belief, but unquestioning belief. Substitute “unquestioning belief” for “faith” in the above quotes. Go ahead, see how it reads.
Unquestioning belief is so hard. It takes tremendous courage. It takes acceptance. It takes trust. Have you ever been to one of those touchy-feely workshops where, at some point, you close your eyes and fall backwards? How hard was that for you to do? You were probably o.k. if you knew the person standing behind you. But if that person was a stranger? A bit harder, right? You’re probably thinking, “We’re talking two different things here -- trusting a stranger in a workshop and trusting God.” Maybe. How much courage do you have to trust, accept, unquestioningly believe that God will catch you when you fall? Don’t intellectualize your answer. Just do it!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, May we have the courage to put our whole self into your hands without question. Amen.
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