a look into the unknown

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

Life throws us trials. At times we question where God is in the midst of our circumstances. We can easily complain about what we lack, the things that we want or even think we deserve, but don’t get. But it is the trials that build us up and cause us to establish a foundation upon God and not ourselves. We are brought to a place of weakness, realizing our true condition and need for our savior.

It is in this place that we need faith and where we build faith. Are we letting this world, our flesh, dictate the way we view life, or will we stand firm on God’s word? This is where we can exercise the shield of faith to block the lie that this world is more important than eternity with God. And what do we combat the lies with? The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. He is just and will judge rightly. He is more than enough for me. He is Lord. A loving Lord who has given life to those who deserve death. We can place our faith in these things and they will never fail.

We can get discouraged by the contrast between who God says he is, and who we experience him to be right now. By Jesus, I can know God? Then why does it feel like I don’t know him so often. Yes, maybe part of it is simply not coming to him, but part of it may also be the yet unfulfilled fullness that will only come through restoration of a new heaven and earth at the end of the age.

That is again where faith comes in. Regardless of what we feel, God is true and he is the same. We are his children, loved, accepted, and being called to enter into his kingdom. He saved us that we may be alive in him for eternity. Let that be our hope and let us be assured that God’s word will come to pass. Let our assurance not be founded on feelings or emotions or results, which can not only be fleeting, but also often lead us into pride, thinking that we received those things by our own doing.

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

I want a faith in the Lord that is not mere words, but one that I can stand upon and that cannot be shaken