Embracing Faith: Stepping into the Unknown Hebrews 11:1
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the profound truth that if God showed us the entire journey ahead, we might never take the first step. This concept challenges our understanding of faith and invites us to trust in God's guidance even when we cannot see the destination clearly. Let us explore this theme together.
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to receive Your word. Help us to embrace faith and step out into the unknown with confidence in Your plan for our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Point 1: The Nature of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as confidence in our hopes and assurance in things unseen. Faith requires us to trust in God's promises and guidance, even when we cannot perceive the entire journey ahead. If God revealed everything from the outset, it would negate the need for faith.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are encouraged to trust wholeheartedly in the Lord rather than relying solely on our limited understanding. This passage emphasizes seeking God's will and direction in every aspect of our lives. When we acknowledge God in all our ways, He promises to guide us along the right paths.
"Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." - Philip Yancey
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT): “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us of the vast difference between God's wisdom and human understanding. God's ways are infinitely higher and more profound than ours. This passage invites us to trust in God's sovereignty even when we cannot comprehend His plans.
"God's way of answering the Christian's prayer for more patience, experience, hope and love often is to put him into the furnace of affliction." - Richard Cecil
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT): "For we live by believing and not by seeing."
2 Corinthians 5:7 encapsulates the essence of Christian faith. As believers, we navigate life not solely by what we can see or understand with our physical senses, but by placing our trust in God's promises and truth. Faith enables us to perceive spiritual realities beyond the physical realm.
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Imagine embarking on a journey through a dense forest. You cannot see the end of the path, but you trust the guide who promises to lead you safely through. This is akin to the faith journey we take with God.
Point 2: The Call to Obedience
In Genesis 12, God calls Abram to leave his country and go to a land that He will show him. Abram obediently steps out in faith, not knowing the full scope of his journey but trusting in God's leading. God's promises unfold as Abram obeys.
Genesis 12:1-4 (NLT): "The Lord had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.'"
In Genesis 12:1-4, God calls Abram (later known as Abraham) to leave behind everything familiar and journey to an unknown land. This narrative exemplifies radical obedience and faith, as Abraham trusted God's promises and embarked on a transformative journey that ultimately blessed many nations.
"Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them." - Elisabeth Elliot
Matthew 4:19 (NLT): "Jesus called out to them, 'Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!'"
In Matthew 4:19, Jesus invites His disciples to follow Him and participate in His mission of proclaiming the Kingdom of God. This passage underscores the call to discipleship, which requires a radical commitment to following Jesus and spreading His message.
"God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply." - Hudson Taylor
Luke 5:4-6 (NLT): "When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.' 'Master,' Simon replied, 'we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.' And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear!"
Luke 5:4-6 recounts the miraculous catch of fish after Simon Peter obeys Jesus' instruction. This passage illustrates the power of faith-filled obedience, even in the face of uncertainty. When we trust and act according to God's word, He can bring about extraordinary outcomes.
"God’s commands are designed to guide you to life’s very best. You will not obey Him, if you do not believe Him and trust Him. You cannot believe Him if you do not love Him. You cannot love Him unless you know Him." - Henry Blackaby
Consider the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus. They didn't know the challenges and trials they would face, but their obedience led to a transformative journey of faith.
Point 3: Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) (Revisited): "For we live by believing and not by seeing."
Reiterating the essence of faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7 emphasizes that the Christian life is sustained by faith in God's promises rather than by physical sight. Faith enables us to navigate life's challenges with confidence in God's sovereignty and goodness.
"Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods." - C.S. Lewis
As believers, we are called to walk by faith, trusting in God's wisdom and providence. Faith allows us to overcome fear and uncertainty, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
Romans 8:28 (NLT): "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Romans 8:28 offers profound assurance to believers that God orchestrates all circumstances for the ultimate good of those who love Him. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God over every aspect of our lives, inspiring faith and trust in His providential care.
"Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse." - Philip Yancey
Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT): "The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."
Psalm 37:23-24 reassures us that God sovereignly directs the paths of the righteous and takes delight in their obedience. Even when we face challenges or stumble, God upholds and sustains us, ensuring that we remain secure in His care.
"Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation." - Andrew Murray
Imagine a tightrope walker crossing a chasm. They fix their eyes on the endpoint, not the depth below. Similarly, faith fixes our gaze on God, enabling us to move forward despite the unknown.
Conclusion:
These passages highlight the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's guidance in our Christian journey. May we be encouraged to deepen our faith and reliance on God's wisdom, knowing that He is faithful to lead us forward.
As we conclude, let us remember that faith requires us to trust God's leading even when the path ahead is unclear. If God showed us the entire journey, it would diminish the beauty of faith. Let us embrace the call to step out in faith, knowing that God is faithful to guide us.
Application:
Reflect on areas in your life where God is calling you to step out in faith. Surrender your fears and uncertainties to Him, trusting that He will lead you forward.
Call to Action:
Commit to taking the first step of faith this week, relying on God's promises and guidance. Let us walk confidently into the unknown, knowing that God is our faithful guide.
May we embrace the journey of faith, trusting in God's plan for our lives. Amen.
