Despite Doubt: Power of Faith

Despite Doubt: Power of Faith

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do nto see.” Hebrews 11

            Faith means to commit to what we know and this passage describes

what faith does. When we trust what God has revealed, we bring the future into the present and make the invisible world visible.

            Martin Luther said that we must chose whether we are going to be theologians of glory or theologians of the cross. Theologians of glory look for God in the obvious places- storms, sunset, rainbow. But where do we really se God—in Jesus on the cross. Luther tells us that we must use God’s Word to interpret what we see because we are sinners and yet through Jesus we are forgiven. Romans 10:17—Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

            This complete dependence on God is what is constant in Hebrews. By faith different followers of God demonstrated their faith- by either claiming God’s promise or obeying His command even unto torture, flogging, prison, killed.. (Heb 11:33-38) Yet all are considered heroes of faith because they trusted in what God had done and will yet do. We also share the promise Jesus will appear a second time to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Heb 9:26-28)

            What does faith mean? It means to commit to what we know, not to what we don’t. What do you know/ What do you believe?

            Jesus pondered why some people believe and others don’t and concluded that the difference was God. He said, “no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him” and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. But Jesus also invites and commands us as well, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am  gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Remember that there will not be a day when you have everything figured out but no matter where you find yourself- come. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God (John 7:17). Obey the truth and you will eventually come to know even more truth. You will know more than enough to believe, more than enough to put your doubt away.

Reflection:

Do you find it easier to live by faith- trusting God’s promises and following His commands- when life is difficult or when things are going well? Why?

Where do you place your trust when you have doubt?  Is this helpful knowing that it is all right to doubt question and even wonder about faith in God?

           

PRAYER

Holy one as each person reads these words we pray that doubt will be filled with a renewed faith; questions will be answered and lead to further questions and that there is new life from within as each person journeys with their God. Bless these words offered to your praise and glory. Amen.

Michael E Wittmer, Despite Doubt: Embracing a Confident Faith ch.20-23

PLEASE NOTE: This concludes this series on this book. Watch next week for a new series!