An Abundance of Faith

image

Faith. That word is repeated many times in the scriptures. Merriam-Webster defines faith as belief in the existence of God; strong religious feelings or beliefs. Another definition says it is a strong belief in God or in doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

Our faith comes in a different way from Peter, Paul, James, John, Mary Magdalene and the other men and women who followed Jesus. They talked with Him, joined Him in meals, were present when the lame were made to walk, the blind to see and the dead raised. Their eyes comfirmed what their hearts chose to believe.

We have not seen Jesus. We have not sat down with Him over breakfast, fished on the Sea of Galilee with Him or watched Him feed the five thousand on a hillside. I will say, though, it is a one way conversation, don’t we  find ourselves talking with Him continually? Maybe we have not observed Him as the followers did during His time on earth. but you can believe that we have experienced His presence.

Thought For Today:
Can we say that we recall a time when we saw Him in the kind eyes and actions of another? Perhaps, it was He who called us awake at 2:00 am to pray for someone who carries a heavy burden. Perhaps it is He that causes the pages of our Bible to fall open before us with a scripture suited perfectly for a situation we are in. A silent conversation?

Those miracles? Can we say that we have seen the miracle of life in our babies? Have we seen the healing of loved ones and friends when the doctors said there was no hope? Have we watched the beauty of nature in the majestic mountains, the pure white snow, a butterfly emerging from a cocoon more beautiful than its previous home could foretell?

And then there is that event that many of us have experience with. Has He walked the dark halls of hospitals and hospice units at our side? Was it He that gave us quiet knowledge that angels were with our loved one? Given the honor of preparing them and us to release to a new home. A homecoming?  They were there to carry them to the door where Jesus stands with His welcoming hand extended? Their breath leaves them here and then returns to them eternally on the other side. The side we exercise our greatest faith in. That all is well for our loved one…for eternity.

It is faith that gives us courage. It is faith that keeps us searching His word. It is faith that causes us to admit our sins and accept salvation. A salvation of great price, paid in blood. A purchase off the slave block of sin. It is faith we exercise, believing we are redeemed from that old nature. It is faith that keeps us calm in the midst of the storms of life. It is faith that assures us He is preparing an eternal place for all who belong to Him. Oh, we have our own special time with Jesus. He comes to us in so many wonderful ways!

Scripture For Today:
1 Peter 1:21

21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (NLT)

Acts 26:18

18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ (NLT)

John 20:29

29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (NLT)

Prayer For Today:
Hello Father!
Faith is what carries us through each day. We pray for continued faith that Your word is true. We are redeemed by the blood of Your Son. Saved by grace and assured of eternal life. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

© 2015 Kathy Ledbetter all rights reserved

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.