Faith would be foolish if what we hope for does not have basis in reality, but God offers us all the reality we need

“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Hebrews 11:1

What an unbelievable statement! Who in this modern world of rational thinking would dare to stand in any public forum and spout such childish nonsense. Isn’t it only a child who actually believes that a parent will fulfill an impracticable but hoped-for Christmas or birthday wish? Only children, after all, believe that a wonderful, imagined gift will become reality? Who else would trust an adult, even a wise and loving adult, to this extent?

Maybe that’s one reason why Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Faith would be foolish if what we hope for does not have basis in reality, but God offers us all the reality we need, all the truth necessary to make an intelligent decision to follow Him. The very character of God cries out for such trust and, in addition, He sent His Son Jesus to display that character in the flesh and to provide the way to God.

Millions of people through the ages have risked all to believe that God is love and can be trusted. The Bible says, “This is what the ancients were commended for.” It does take faith to believe God and His Word, but we have the promise of Jesus, “whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

Question: Are you willing to step out in faith and take God at His Word?

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• Forgiveness – Yourself and  Others
•  Fully Surrender to the Lord
•  Salvation Explained

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The post The Wise Foolishness of Faith can be found at Thoughts about God.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:27-29

After three tries, the store clerk told my bride that the credit card just wouldn’t work. Fortunately, we had a back-up. We were out of the country and needed a credit card.

A call to the bank told us that our card had been “compromised.” We found out that meant that our identity had been stolen and someone had made a new card and having a merry time buying jewelry. I thought this could not be done with the new chip cards, but as always the thieves are just a few steps ahead of technology.

Fortunately the store did not block the purchases and no one was out any money. When we arrived home, a new card was waiting. I was, to say the least, angered that someone had stolen our identity and was using it to steal.

As I pondered the whole experience, I thought of a spiritual parallel. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I acquired a new identity that no one can take away. I am His and He is mine and no one can separate us. My identity in Christ cannot be compromised, stolen or taken away.

In the secular world, our identity often takes the form of a number: Social Security, credit card, driver’s license or passport. We won’t get too far if we don’t have an official form of identity, usually accompanied by a picture.

In the world of faith, however, we receive our identity from God through Jesus Christ, and no one can ever take it away. In fact, much of the Bible talks about what God’s people are called to do because of their identity. Paul cuts to the heart when he writes, “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” Ephesians 2:10

By John Grant
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

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“And he has committed us to the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us”
2 Corinthians 5:19-20

We were invited to a dinner party where the ambassador from a South East Asian country was the special guest. As you can well imagine, it is an honor for a person to be chosen to represent their country in another land. She was an effective ambassador.

During the evening she told us about her country – the beauty, the history, the people. She told us what they imported and what they exported. It was a very thorough overview. And when the dinner came to a close, she warmly invited us to come visit her country.

On the way home, my husband and I discussed the close comparison of what Christians are called to be – Christ’s ambassadors – and what she had been commissioned to be – the ambassador for her country. Meeting with her was a reminder of our calling. All Christians represent the Kingdom of God. This world is not our home.

We are here for one thing:

To tell others everything we know about our King and the heavenly home we are going to. We are to invite them to come to the Kingdom of God.

Do you ever feel inadequate representing King Jesus? We all do. We can’t do it in our own strength. But God has provided the Holy Spirit who will provide the words and the boldness. Just before His ascension Jesus said,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8.

Do you want to experience the power to be His witness? I encourage you to ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

We are Christ’s ambassadors! What an honor He has bestowed upon us. Together let’s make people aware that we represent the Kingdom of God. And don’t chicken out when it’s time to invite them to come visit God’s Kingdom.

Father, thank You for granting us the privilege of being Your subjects to represent You here on earth. We have to admit, Lord, (please forgive us) that sometimes we get so busy with life that we forget why we are here. Sometimes we are downright cowardly. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so we will be bold and loving in order to represent you effectively. Amen.

by Katherine Kehler
used by permission

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