And Without Faith
By faith Abel brought God a better sacrifice than Cain did and was commended as righteous (Hebrews 11:4). By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death (Hebrews 11:5). By faith, Abraham when called to go to place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went
Hebrews 11:8
Biblical faith is a firm conviction or firm persuasion in God and in his holy word. Elsewhere someone has defined it as, “…the act whereby a person lays hold of God's resources, becomes obedient to what He has prescribed and putting aside all self-interest and self-reliance (emphasis mine), trusts Him completely. It is an unqualified surrender of the whole of one's being in dependence upon Him. It is wholly trusting and relying upon Him for all things. It is not just mental assent to the facts and realities of truth, it must come from a deep inner conviction, because dear friend, even the demons believe (James 2:19). Our faith must transcend that of demons.
Are you walking by faith? Have you truly put aside all self-interest and self-reliance? Are firmly persuaded that God is for you? Are you convinced that Christ’s sacrifice has redeemed you from sin, once and for all? Are you resting in the assurance that Christ, through his resurrection has conquered death on your behalf? Are you obeying his call to walk in holiness as you journey to a place that you will later receive as your inheritance? Have you taken ahold of all the resources of heaven as you walk in victory no matter what your circumstances? Has your expression of faith transcended that of demons?
The Bible teaches that “…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 (Hebrews 11:6). You cannot please God merely by works of service, even though these are commendable. If you want to please God, “walk by faith and do not shrink back (Hebrews 10:38).” Remember these heroes of the faith, did not even receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth (Hebrews 11:13). God the Father is ready and willing to lavish this kind of conquering faith upon you. It comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Are you studying it daily?
Dear LORD, thank you for your Holy Word. It is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Help me to grab ahold of it daily that it might nourish and strengthen my faith in you. Remind me, lest I forget, that it is the sword that causes the enemy to retreat. I want to please you Lord, with a faith that is completely surrendered to your will and to your way. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.