As I asked the Lord today to give me a word, He gave me faith. The writer of Hebrews gives us the definition of faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1) Faith is confidence based on our past experience as well as what we have seen occur in others’ lives. Two words describe faith: confidence and assurance. These two qualities need a secure beginning and ending point. The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s character–He is who He says. The end point is believing in God’s promises–He will do what He says. When we believe that God will fulfill His promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith (John 20:24-31).

God called the universe into existence out of nothing; He declared that it was to be, and it was. Our faith is in the God who created the entire universe by His Word. God’s Word has awesome power. “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” (Heb 11:3)

The past few days, the enemy has whispered in my ear that I still don’t have a job after 2-1/2 months of looking; he is trying to shake my faith that the Lord is true to His promises. My stomach has been boiling the last couple of days, and because of that I’ve passed on a couple of opportunities to fellowship with friends who are believers. He has tried to get me alone and more vulnerable, and looking more to distraction. But this morning, I am standing on God’s promise: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt 6:33)

He is calling me not to waver in my faith–to continue to be confident that He will do what He says, especially when I see no visibility. And He has reminded me that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)

Faith is the avenue or the instrument God uses to bring salvation to His people. God gives faith because of His grace and mercy, because He loves us (Eph 4—5). Faith comes from God in the form of a gift (Eph 2:8). The Bible specifies the way, or the means, that God gives faith to people. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Rom 10:17). It is the Word of God that produces faith; and God has chosen faith to be given through the gospel of all that Jesus has done for us.

As I read through what the Lord showed me this morning, I actually chuckled. You might think that’s a strange response, but here’s what made me laugh. I have zero doubt that Jesus died for my sins, He was buried and arose defeating sin and death,  and now sits at the right hand of our Father. I have no doubt that He is my Savior and I am a co-heir with Christ. Me being a child of God by my faith is without question; I am sealed by the Holy Spirit for eternity. So why would I waver in my faith that God will provide for me things in this life that will eventually pass away? It makes no sense; therefore, I know my faith wavering that God will do as He said is a lie of the devil, not the truth of God. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

Thank you, Lord, for Your Word this morning. Thank You for Your gift of faith, and the reminder that it is You and Your will I seek. I thank You for what You are doing behind the scenes that I can’t see; and the faith You renewed in me that whatever You have planned for me will be for Your glory to those around me. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.