NOT BY SIGHT

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. God gave his approval to people in days of old because of their faith … It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight … Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Hebrews 11:1-2, 32b-34, 12:1

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 05/09/06

One reason it is important to read the Bible stories is to get a grip on the faith of the men and women God has used in His plan for the salvation of mankind. They were ordinary people like you and me, tapped by the Almighty for Kingdom building work. Could they see the finished product? No way. They were no more able to see the completion of God’s handiwork than we can, yet they acted out of faith.

When doubt creeps and blocks your vision, grab your Bible. Read one of the many stories mentioned in Hebrews 11. Let those stories remind you of the faith of others and give you encouragement to also keep the faith. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2nd Corinthians 5:7.