The Work of Faith

Faith may be difficult to define, but when it has the freedom to be active, it’s difficult to deny its existence. A distinctive attribute of faith is that it cannot be defeated by evil’s attempt to nullify God’s purpose for you. Faith does not deny the challenge each day may present, but faith listens to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance for staying true and loyal to Christ Jesus.

An essential attribute of faith is its readiness to acknowledge evil’s existence and its influence that each believer must face. Jesus recognized these powerful forces as he ministered to those before him each day.

Faith builds a bridge to the realities and complexities that comprise our character that God desires to redeem. Faith builds confidence in God's word that gives us strength to face whatever struggles come our way. Faith helps us trust in the presence of Christ Jesus to direct our pathway. So always cherish your faith as a valuable treasure.  

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Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

~1 Thessalonians 1:3 English Standard Version

Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. Do all your work in love.

~2 Corinthians 16:13-14 Good News Bible

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Life's Peaks and Valleys

Emotional and spiritual peaks and valleys come and go throughout one's lifetime. Following a mountaintop spiritual experience, a loss of enthusiasm or an episode of depression may follow. Yet it’s important to realize God equips each person with courage and determination to stay anchored in Christ Jesus and to mature in faith.

It's analogous to buying a dream house only to discover elements of dissatisfaction. This discovery would be difficult to understand, when everything had appeared so perfect. Old issues are powerful and periodically resurface, demanding our attention. Courage and determination are required to face these issues so peace and closeness can resume.

Samson’s mountaintop experience came when he finally realized it was the Lord God who gave him victory over his enemies. God desires to  build in us character strengths to prevent regression to a former spiritual or emotional lifestyle. God provides armament and courage to fight the good fight of faith as you stand firm in his calling.  

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God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.

~Ephesians 6:10-11 The Message

 

Remain alert. Keep standing firm in our faith. Keep on being courageous and strong. Everything you do should be done lovingly.

~1 Corinthians 16:13-14 International Standard Version

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God, Giver of Confidence

 It takes confidence to be courageous, for confidence encompasses more than intelligence, social skills or physical strength. When Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of the Hebrew people, he inherited a task that would require patience and wisdom far beyond what he could humanly produce.

God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, to obey all of the commandments he gave to Moses. God promised to constantly be with him, which became Joshua’s source of confidence and courage for completing the task God gave him. Unlike Joshua, Samson's confidence derived from his own physical strength. 

Samson did not necessarily display courage when facing an enemy.  It was more like reckless abandonment. Courage analyzes a situation whereas reckless abandonment discounts caution. Listen to St. Paul’s formula for coping with life’s challenges and uncertainty. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be people of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." Happy Thanksgiving week to you.  

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Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 Good News Bible

 

O, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his lovingkindness is everlasting.

~1 Chronicles 16:34 New American Standard Bible

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Take Courage, My Friend

Great challenges demand extraordinary courage. Amos was an Old Testament prophet who received such a challenge. He was unable to attend the Institute for Prophets and was not the son of a prophet. When the Lord God called him, he was a shepherd who also cared for sycamore trees.

Leaving home and family took courage. All Amos possessed was the assurance of God’s call plus these words from Deuteronomy 31:6: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise gave him courage to face those who refused to believe he was a prophet called by God.

The high priest tried to humiliate Amos by rejecting the fact that God gave him a message to preach to Israel. Amos had a lot to forgive, but God gave him courage never to compromise his calling. God enabled Amos to remain faithful by giving him courage, a virtue and character trait that empowered him to stand firm against all detractors.  

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Keep alert. Be firm in your faith. Stay brave and strong. Show love in everything you do.

~1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Contemporary English Version

Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the Lord.

~Psalm 27:14 New American Standard Bible