Faith: What is it?

The Bible says in Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (NASB). So really, what is it? Is there such a thing as blind faith? What is (or should) our faith be focused on?

One of the greatest (if not the greatest) examples of faith is a man called Abraham. He is listed in the "Heroes of the Faith" chapter (Hebrews 11). Hebrews 11:8 says "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going." Abraham went out. He obeyed. He accepted by faith God's divine instruction.

Look at the last part of the verse 8. Not knowing where he was going? Is that possible? In today's society, we have printed maps, Google maps, even GPS devices we place on our dashboard. We have to know where we are going! We can't get there without knowing, right? Well according to God's word, when Abraham was called, he obeyed and went. He didn't have to know where he was going. He had faith, not in an inanimate object, but in the living God of the universe. God directed each step Abraham took, from the time He called Abraham until the time Abraham took his last breath. Abraham had faith in someone, not something!

Another great example of Abraham's faith is Genesis chapter 22. This is one of many encounters God had with Abraham that displayed the character of both. God tested Abraham by giving him the requirement to sacrifice his first born. Now, it is important to note that human sacrifice was something that God detested. At this time in history, pagan worshippers were sacrificing their children in the fire to please the so-called gods. Of course, this was an "Old Testament" practice that would never happen today, right? Our advanced society would never sacrifice our children to the god of convenience or bad choices, would we? Having an abortion is about a woman's right to choose, not about sacrificing an innocent child to some man-made plan, right? (Please note the sarcasm!!). Anyway, off my soap box. You got that for free.

Anyway, Genesis 22 describes how Abraham rose early and took Isaac, his only son, to Moriah with the full intention on obeying God. I have to wonder what he was thinking as he received the command and then as he arose. Of course, we know the Bible records how he obeyed, but he was human as well. He knew God would provide and that God had promised that his descendants would out number the sand on the shore. Now how could this be accomplished if he must sacrifice his first born? Although it isn't recorded, he had to wonder. He had to have some fleshly notions pop up in his head. Would God really provide a substitute?

Once Abraham, Isaac, and the two servants reached Moriah, he and Isaac went ahead, leaving the two servants behind. But I believe one of the greatest verses in this passage is verse 5. 'Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you."' Notice the end of the verse, we will worship and return to you. Abraham was fully confident that both he and Isaac would return. How did he know? He had faith in God. He knew God would provide the sacrifice. Did he know in advance that God would provide a ram caught in the thicket? I do not believe he did. But he did know the same God who promised him innumerable descendants, would provide a way for Isaac to live, even if he was to be brought back to life. Now that is faith!!

As I read these passages and think of Abraham, I think of my faith. How during this time, I have questioned God and even (gasp) doubted Him. But, I have faith that whatever the outcome of this pregnancy and birth, God has a plan. Like Abraham, we know he has a purpose for the trials we are facing. Yeah, of course it is scary at times, and sometimes we doubt (we are human), but we are confident that the same God who provided a substitute for Isaac and gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins, can provide a way out of this trial. He can choose to heal Elijah. He can allow him to have surgery. He can do whatever He desires because, you know what, He is God. No matter the outcome, He still sits on the throne and we know His comforting hand will guide us and be with us all through this time. And there is no doubt we will see a side of God we probably never would have seen before this trial. We just have to have faith, that our Comforter, Provider, and Sustainer will guide us the entire way. And we know He will!

In conclusion, is there such a thing as blind faith? My answer is no. I believe everyone has some faith. It just so happens that some have faith in the wrong things. Some have faith in a way, a religion, a church, a job, another human, etc, etc. I believe that one must have faith in the God of the universe, who sent His only son Jesus to this Earth, the Jesus who is not only God's Son but is also God. He sent Jesus to die on a cross and literally become sin so that we, by placing our faith and trust in Him, would have everlasting life. Jesus says in John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." There is no other way to Heaven except through Jesus. You can't be good enough, smart enough, or rich enough. It is simply by believing that He died on the cross for your sins and placing your faith and trust in Him as Lord and Savior. Simple faith. Blind faith? NO! But simple faith that He is the only way to eternal, everlasting life.

Prayer requests: Tammy has been having quite a few contractions on a more regular basis. Please pray they cease. Continue to pray for Elijah's growth and formation. The next doctor appointment is on April 24th. We are not sure what will happen as of yet, but pray all goes well.

God Bless,

Ryan