Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.

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Read

Hebrews 11:13-22 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

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Reflect

Faith, what is faith? Well according to Hebrews 11:1 it’s believing in something that you can’t see. We have several people listed in our reading today that believed in the invisible God and held onto promises most of which were never realized in their lifetime.

As a pastor, I get question’s on faith a lot. Things like, how can you believe in something you can’t see? How can you believe in a book, its only words on paper? Don’t you think its crazy to pray to the air?

I get it, really, I do. In my journey through life, I asked these same questions myself. I have learned that my faith is more than just believing, it’s a knowing. Like those listed in our scripture who held on to the promises of God, without ever seeing them take place, they knew. They knew God would be faithful, they knew that God would come through.

Today, as I continue my journey onwards. I believe and I know. I know that God will ALWAYS keep His promises. So, on days when I feel like I am struggling I remind myself, God has never not kept His word. My faith, my belief, my knowing is in God.

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Pray

God, we often look back on the people in your word and wonder how they could do what they have done. Then we read further and understand it is their faith in You. Help us today, on days when we struggle, on days when others question, to be able to speak openly and honestly about the awesome things we believe and know are from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go with God!