Keep the Faith

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:6‬ ‭

Faith, it is a big word in five letters. It asks us to believe for the impossible, to take risks that seem insane, and other times to do things that seem meaningless. Yet when our belief and action line of with God nothing is impossible. As I read this chapter this morning, it talks about various people in the Old Testament that are known for their faith. The thought crossed my mind, Satan and the demons know God. The difference is they know He can do what He says He will and it terrifies them. They can not draw near to God and they do not seek Him.

As Christians, we have the privilege of drawing near to God. His word promises that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭

He tells us not to be double minded. In other words, “stay in faith.” It can be hard to do that when circumstances around us look like we are wrong to keep hoping. However, if we can see it, we do not need faith.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭

In those moments where faith seems fleeting, we need to keep seeking God.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

We have to search His Word for truths to stand on.

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20

We need to build up our faith reminding ourselves of times God has came through before when things looked defeated.

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude‬ ‭1:20-21‬

‭We can look at the testimonies of others who have walked through what we are facing.

And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:11

We can hold tight to God and not allow our circumstances to pull us from Him but instead to drive us towards His open arms.

Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. Revelations 3:10-12

In this world, we will face many tests and trials. The Lord tells us that if we want to please Him, we need to keep the faith. We can do this by drawing near to Him. We need to continue to seek Him regardless of what comes our way.

Prayer – Lord, it is not always easy for me to hold fast to faith in the storms that I have faced. I thank you that You are always faithful and that You have continued to draw me back to You even when I have let circumstances pull me from You. Lord, help me to stand strong in faith, I want to be pleasing to You. Let me Lord, continue to draw near to You. I want to seek You first in all things, especially when I am facing tests and trials that would try to take me down. I put my faith in You, and I cling to You in all things Lord. IN Jesus name. Amen.