Friday, January 20, 2012

~Are You Afraid to Ask for More Faith?~





 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  2For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaket 5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.  6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.  8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.    ~Hebrews 11:1-10


Faith.  Do we know what it is?  I think one of the best answers is found in Hebrews, however, I also like the definition that Webster's Dictionary said:  "Unquestioning belief, specifically in God; complete trust or confidence."

So how can we apply faith to our lives like Abraham did?  Do we really mean it whenever we ask God to increase our faith?  I think we are often afraid to ask for more faith because we dread what the consequences will be.  We are afraid that God will ask something of us that we are not willing to do.  That is such a sobering thought!!  

Question:  Are you holding back because you are afraid God will ask you to:

~teach a Sunday school class?           
~to witness to your neighbor?
~to give up something that you hold dear?
~to lose a love one?
~to move away from your friends and family?
~to go to the mission field?

Even though God required some rather difficult things of Abraham, he trusted God completely.  And because of Abraham's complete obedience and faith in God, he was called the Friend of God.  Does our response to God's requirements show that we too, are His friend?