New Testament Passage (for Monday, November 12, 2012): Hebrews 11:1-16
8 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. 9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10 (NASB)
Don Basham, the great Bible teacher of three decades ago, said that the life of faith is "walking in the midst of a miracle on the edge of disaster." We get stretched. We step out in new directions believing that God has spoken to us and we are to obey. It is a life of adventure.
Abraham is our example. He HEARD FROM GOD. This is where the life of faith starts. This is more than believing a faith statement. This is more than a doctrinal position. This is a direct sense from God of what He wants you to do.
Most of us like blueprints -- outlines -- full descriptions of the road ahead. But that is not how faith works. There must be a STEP OF FAITH -- a leap of faith. Abraham left his home "not knowing where he was going" (vs. 8). He just knew that God said "get moving." This is difficult. We do not want to be stupid and jump off a cliff. But, there remains an important principle. In the words of John Ortberg, "If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat."
The third aspect of the faith life is that period in which you are traveling -- you are on the journey. You have not arrived, but you are moving toward God's objective. This may mean that you endure certain privations, certain inconveniences -- like living in a tent. The important thing however is to KEEP MOVING.
The Bible says that God has prepared a city for you. It is a place that He has specifically designed with you in mind. He is its "architect and building" -- the New King James says, "builder and maker." One of the most important things for each of us to learn is that we must BELIEVE FOR THE BEST. Don't settle for seconds. Don't sell out for a half-way win. Keep moving until you arrive at God's best plan for you.
You might wonder, 'But what if I fail?" "What if I don't succeed?" The answer is simple. Your success is a matter of who is evaluating that success. Verse 16 says that when you move in faith "God is not ashamed to be called your God." He considers you a success. In the final analysis, that's all that matters. THE LIFE OF FAITH -- the best way to live.
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