Faith
By Mike Rule
What is faith? The word "faith" is used only twice
in the Old Testament, but many times in the New Testament. The
New Testament word for faith is roughly as, "Trust and
confidence in God and all that He says." The word trust is
used many times in the Old Testament! Same concept, different
words! Our God is ever constant, but the words describing our
relationship with Him may change over time. However, there is a
subtle tendency to lose the true meaning of some things
surrounding God. As a result, we lose sight of God Himself.
We may have tremendous faith, but it is not always faith in
the God who really is; it is faith in a god of our own design.
Thankfully, this god always lets us down. Sometimes we are left
desperately asking the question, "God, who ARE You?"
Praise God for this desperation which is preparing us to receive
His revelation! There is a difference between a demanding faith
and a receiving faith, and the difference lies in the object of
that faith.
God always prepares us to receive from Him, and He freely
invites us to ask, yet many times we demand from Him and don't
even realize it! We have a subtle attitude that says, "Come
on God, You said in Your word You would... out with it! Come on,
fork it over!" I unintentionally do that more often that I
care to admit! I am so thankful for His faithfulness to correct
and keep us ever focused on Him!
As we grow to truly know Him we find that He is worthy. As we
grow to truly know Him we demand less and less and are more
willing to receive. As we grow to truly know Him we grow in the
confidence that no matter the circumstances, He has our best in
mind!!! Jesus said in John 17, "Now this is eternal life,
that they may KNOW You, the one true God and Jesus Christ whom
you have sent..." Knowing Him IS eternal life! He came that
He might grant us eternal life, and Jesus is the way to that
intimate relationship with the Father.
If our faith demands, then it may not be a trusting faith in
the God who really is. Jesus said to the woman at the well,
"If you really knew who I Am, then you would ask me for what
I have to give" (paraphrase mine). If we really knew Him,
then we would be willing to receive anything and everything from
Him. It is only through trust and confidence IN Him (given
through intimate relationship WITH Him) that we can receive FROM
Him. Oh, that I might KNOW Him... Let us continue to seek Him
while He may be found!
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