Focus

Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.

---

Read

Hebrews 11:1-7 NRSV

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice that Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.”

---

Reflect

WHERE POSSIBILITIES END

The young woman could barely focus on the one sign in her line of vision, “Psychiatric Ward”. Tears welled in her eyes as the nurse pressed a button unlocking automatic doors to the hospital hall beyond. The emotions she had held back threatened to be exposed when the attending nurse ask for her small overnight bag. No personal items were allowed on the ward. The hospital didn’t want patients to have anything that could cause personal harm. How had she managed to wind up here? What was her story? Where was her hope?

This woman was me years ago. Through a series of unfortunate events, I had lost my home, my mother, my marriage, businesses, material possessions, and my profession. It had become more than my physical body could endure. Hospitalization was the next step to halt degeneration of my health, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. I had never imagined myself in a situation like this. The helpless feelings were real. Grief and anxiety tormented every moment. I didn’t know my own reflection, but I recognized God’s voice that confirmed we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:38). So, I clung to Him and His word.

Even though I knew God, had accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was a youngster, like many Christians, I was more confident in myself than I was in faith in God. Despite my arrogance, God forgave me, manifest His love, mercy, and grace toward me. He is a covenant keeping God. He provided victory and restoration beyond anything I could have imagined.

Faith is confidence in the trustworthiness of God. It is the conviction that what God says is true and that what He promises will come to pass. (William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, 2nd Edition). God delivered me through this dark passage of life not because I am unique, but because I am His child. Someone once made the statement, “Faith begins where possibilities end. If it’s possible, then there’s no glory for God in it.”

---

Pray

Dear Lord, Abba Father, Almighty God, I praise and worship You for all that You are and ever will be. I thank You for Your mighty love and enduring grace to all your creation. May I live to glorify You. In Jesus Holy name, Amen.

Go with God!