
Tuesday March 09, 2021
As humans, we are by design worshipping beings; we look around at nature, and all that our eyes behold is a mystery. We know for sure that we did not make them and we are in awe of a Force that is obviously more powerful that we are. We desire to show gratitude, and give thanks for all that we are able to enjoy; we desire to have more and we need the help and support of a Higher Power.
Faith is an indelible aspect of the human experience; tomorrow is not promised; yet we hope to see it. It is customary for people of all races, cultures and creed to express faith in one form or another. Can you imagine for a moment that you were born in a different country from the one you were actually born in? Say you were born in India instead of Jamaica, or in Saudi Arabia instead of America, or say in Africa instead of Canada?
How do you believe you would practice your faith? Would the Bible be the sacred book that guides your conscience, or would it be another? I know that this is a provocative topic, but I believe that it is important to explore as we give careful thought to what we believe and why. Stay with me for a while, it will work out eventually.
We know of the patriarch Abraham, who we admire for his faith, and obedience to God. The first time the Bible introduces Abraham, he is told to be the son of Terah who lived in Ur of the Chaldeans. History records that the Chaldeans worshipped idols; for them, the phases of the moon represented the natural cycle of birth, growth, decay, and death and also set the measurement of their yearly calendar. Among the many gods, Nanna was supreme, because he was the source of fertility for crops, herds, and families. Prayers and offerings were offered to the moon to invoke its blessing. This was Abraham’s faith at one point in his life.
While Abraham was raised to believe in the god of his father; he believed that the gods he worshiped were not the True and Living God. Uttering words in prayer, Abraham asked that the True God reveal Himself to him so he could worship Him. Later, Abraham received a revelation of the True God, and He instructed Abraham to move from among his own people, and go to a land He would show him. (Genesis 12:1). Whose faith did Abraham have?
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
Genesis 12:1
By the time Abraham decided to obey God, leave Ur and head to Canaan he had discarded the faith of his father; he had a new conviction. He had a personal encounter with the True God who he called Yahweh. On account of what Abraham experienced with his True God through a growing relationship, his faith in Him was steadfast and secure. What he had come to learn about the God he encountered was undeniably real.
As Abraham continued to trust and obey God, soon he a promise that is eventually fulfilled, the covenant story is underway as generation after generation are born to him – Abraham becomes the Father of Many Nations.
Today, we call on and dare to trust in the God of Abraham; we worship Him as the True and Living God. By virtue of being introduced to the Bible as being the Sacred Book that guides our conscience, we can ask ourselves the question: Whose Faith is It that we have? Is the faith of your grand mother, or grand father, or is it your mother’s or father’s faith? Do you have your own, or is it borrowed? Was it taught to you by someone?
Have you at some point met the God of which Abraham speak in a way that makes your faith in Him your own? If the answer to the question is yes, then celebrate your faith, and own all that you have experienced with the True and Living God as a blessed gift. Surely, you will leave behind a spiritual legacy for the generations after you; they will tell the story of your faith journey with God and be strengthened by them.
If it is that you are still deciding whose faith it is that you are holding to, then you are at a beautiful place, and are in for an adventure as you strive to define your faith. To know the True and Living God in a real and undeniable way is possibly your goal. You should know that this is God’s will for you; that you know Him as He is. It is written:
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
St. John 17:3
The QUEEN LIFE involves knowing the KING, your Maker in an intimate way; being merely fascinated with or acquainted with the idea of God is not an option. There is little value in living on the fringes of faith; going deeper gives you strong roots that hold firmly when they need to. Investing in building a solid faith is life sustaining -it is everything that you need to survive. Your future depends greatly on the encounters you have with God; each one is a reminder of His great love for you, and His ability and willingness to care, and provide for you.
Thereby, knowing The Value of Faith is about experiencing God first hand- He will be the Author and Finisher of the Faith you have in Him so that is is steadfast, and true. His Holy Spirit will nurture, nourish and preserve what you believe; which is a guarantee that money cannot buy, what cannot be borrowed nor bought. This kind of faith should be desired, claimed, sought after and found. Look for it as you would go in search of a priceless treasure so that you will surely find it. Your God promised that if you seek, you will find. (St. Matthew 7:7).
When you dare to believe in Who God is to you, and to trust Him with your whole heart; it you are asked the question: Whose Faith Is It? Your answer will be MINE!!! Dare to create a spiritual legacy that will outlive your mortal body; in building an intimate relationship with God hinged on obedience and faith will keep you forever in God’s memory. Much like Abraham, your story should be recorded and told to future generations. Find your faith and live it without apology.
CONSIDER
- Do I enjoy personal encounters with God that inspires my faith?
- Is owning my faith important to the peace I desire to have in my life?
- What am I prepared to do to ensure that I am able to say the faith I have is MINE?
MY PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word teaches that faith is the substance of what I do not yet see; I have never seen You, but I believe that You are. I know that You are the True and Living God Who can be known; surely, Abraham knew You and you called Him Your friend..
I want to be Your friend, and I know that I will need increased faith to believe in Your love for me; today, I ask for the gift of faith. I desire to have opportunities to trust You so I can know You as You are. I want to live the QUEEN LIFE You have in store for me; I am Your daughter, and I want my faith to reflect that I am- please help me to live like I am Daddy’s Little Girl everyday.
In Jesus’s Name I pray – Amen
