“Faith”
In the book of Hebrews, Chapter 1, it talks about "faith." Faith is very important to God. The first verse of Chapter 11 gives us the definition of faith. "What is faith? It is confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot see. God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith."
The chapter then goes on to tell us that it is by faith we understand the whole universe was formed at God's command. That by faith Abel, Adam and Eve's son, gave God the more acceptable sacrifice.
It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave his home and go to another land that God would give him as an inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.
It was by faith that even though Sarah was past child bearing age, (she was 90 years old and Abraham was 100) God promised them a son, Isaac, and that Abraham would be the father of a whole nation with so many people they would be like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore to count.
It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him.
Years later it was by faith that Joseph, when he was old and dying, confidently spoke of God's bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. He was so sure of it that he commanded them to carry his bones with them when they left!
It was by faith that Moses' parents hid him for three months, when they saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they weren't afraid of what the king might do. It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.
It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians followed they were all drowned.
It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho seven days, and the walls came crashing down.
There are man more stories about people of faith in the Bible such as, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel and all the Prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, went through a fiery furnace, escaped death by the edge of a sword. Their weakness was turned to strength and they became strong in battle putting whole armies to flight.
Verse 39 says, "All of these people mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until they finish the race.”
In Hebrews 11: 6 it says, "So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. "
John 3: 16 states, "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
We must have faith in our God to please him. He is loving and faithful to keep his promises to us. Lamentations 3: 23 says, "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day."
Thank you Heavenly Father for the stories of old which tell of your people's faith in you. Help us to have faith, that we too may believe and obey your word. In Jesus name, Amen
God Bless