Having Faith Devotional

Having Faith

January 6, 2013

Hebrews 11:1-2

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 

Faith.  What is it?  It seems like most of the time when we talk about faith we could use the word belief in its place.  Belief and faith are not the same.  Belief speaks to knowledge.  It is what I value and hold on to as Truth.  Faith speaks to action.  In Hebrews, this definition is followed by a long list of people who lived out their faith in different ways.  Belief might cause us to have opinions, but it doesn’t take action.  Faith acts.  Faith is more powerful than belief.  Faith opens us up to the great work of God in us and around us. 

Hebrews 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Faith changes over time.  It develops as we run the race of life.  Jesus is the one true example of faith in practice.  His faith led him to the cross.  His faith led him through shame.  His faith enabled him to do what no one else could.  He ran the race perfectly.  We need to run our race.  You can’t run from the couch.  Running requires choice and action.  It requires training.  It takes endurance.  It can only be done well by a willing heart.

Hear the invitation in this scripture.  Hebrews 11 gives us example after example of faith.  Hebrews 12 asks us to be an example like those who have come before.  The reward is great.  Jesus sits at the right hand of God.  His joy is complete.  Let’s follow Him.