(Hebrews 11:1). The two key words in this definition are "sure" and "certain".
Faith is a God given impartation to believe something even when what we see tells us the opposite. It applies to any area of our lives and is always commended by God.
Jesus marveled at it (or the lack of it) and Hebrews 11 reminds of the many who preceded us with it. (I might add, not all of the time; but certainly in key moments).
Just yesterday, one of my friends and a long time elder, leader and father in our Church had a sudden heart attack that has left his physical body in critical condition.
(His name is also Jay if you care to pray for him). At his bedside yesterday in the ER,
one of his children passionately prayed "to the God who rules in the unseen world".
Do I know that our Lord can undoubtedly step in and heal my dear brother? Yes!
Do I know that healing takes place everyday; and that scripture reveals it as part of our inheritance in the New Covenant? Yes! It's the mystery of the "sure" and "certain" part that only God can give in moments when human reasoning signals
otherwise. It's now that we must will to put our hearts on God's Word and in His promises and not what we 'see' if faith is prevail.
Ultimately, our God is good and His providence is to be totally trusted. However,
faith is 'more precious than gold' James says and more powerful than anything we see according to Hebrews. O Lord, that we might grow in faith!
Jay
Today has been a confusing day in the faith department! I have never heard faith described as an impartation - so now more confused!Romans says that "faith comes by hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word of Christ" so isn't that a decision rather than an impartation? (why do they call these things blogs anyway, it's usually a journal entry and an occassional comment?).
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