“Faith” is an especially popular topic in some Christian circles. Faith to “believe God” for what we want – – often for earthly things.
But the faith of the heroes of Hebrews is altogether different. It is faith that if we honor and obey God, He will work things out for His glory and our good. We can trust Him fully. Our highest desire then, is that His purpose would be fulfilled and His Name glorified, and we let the process to Him. Period.
The second major component of their faith was their confidence that “This life isn’t all there is. Anything that happens here is trivial compared to the reward to come.” It protects the saint’s soul (mind/will/emotions) from being captured by threatening events.
FAITH AND HEALING
So now about faith and healing. I’ve been down that road and around that bend more than once. I’ve heard more than enough of, “You’ve just got to have faith that God will heal you.”
Do I believe in healing? Most certainly. God can, and He does, but we often try to “play God” by telling Him how and when. I’m nauseated by that arrogant, selfish, man-centered approach. Besides, it rarely works as its proponents declare, and many get sidetracked in the process.
The gift of healing is clear in I Cor. 12 (v9), along with its partner gifts of miracles, discernment, a word of knowledge, a word of wisdom, faith and more. They are as needed now as when Paul wrote that, and they must function together. See I Cor. 12:1-14. https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1-corinthians/12/1-14
We need faith the most when we’re walking into the unknown. We have much to learn and it’s time to get started. The Day to come will give us abundant opportunity to apply it.
Will our faith be like the saints of Hebrews 11? I pray it is, for me and for you and those we love. https://biblia.com/bible/esv/hebrews/11
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, Ohio USA
Dec. 5, 2021
CLICK HERE for a printable pdf.
Ken, Thank you!
Additionally, it is great to read a few posts back of Elaine’s update.
Prayers continuing. Bless you and yours.