Daily Devotional (December 29, 2024) LEARNING TO WALK BY FAITH.
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 11:1-9 - “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”
Our Christian journey on earth requires a daily walk by faith. Of course, genuine biblical faith expresses itself in everyday life. "Faith" suggests complete trust or confidence in someone or something. The Bible describes faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). The central feature of faith is confidence or trust in God. Faith is more than intellectual consent. Hebrews 11 has been described as the "Hall of Faith." In this chapter, the recurring phrase "by faith" appears seven times within the first 11 verses.
Faith pleases God more than anything else in a Believer's life. The Christian life is dependent upon faith: we stand on faith; we live on faith. Faith is loved and honoured by God more than any other single thing. The Scriptures teaches that faith is the only approach that we have to God (Heb. 11:6). No man can claim forgiveness of sins, no man will enter Heaven, and no man has assurance of peace and happiness, until he has
faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is so important because it is the means by which we have a relationship with God. Paul says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith.." (Eph. 2:8).
Let your faith produce tangible evidence of its existence in your life (Gal 5:6, Enoch's faith helped him to "walk with God" as well as resulting in his transfer from earth without physical death (Gen, 5:24; Heb. 11:5). Noah's faith was evidenced by building an Ark in obedience to God's instruction (Gen. 6:14-22). Abraham walked by faith (Gen. 12:1-3), believed God for the impossible in regards to lsaac's birth (Rom. 4). He was rewarded when he passed the test of offering up Isaac as sacrifice to God (Gen. 22; Heb. 11:17-19). May our faith produce practical evidence (Jam. 2:20).
PRAYER: Lord, help me to live by faith
