A Mustard Seed . . .

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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”   – Hebrews 11:1

Do you understand the difference between hope and faith?  Most people relate them in a synonymous way and are completely comfortable in their understanding.  I postulate to you though that these words couldn’t be farther from synonymous.  Let’s look at Webster’s definition and then let’s look at the scriptures.

Hope [hohp] noun
1. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.  2. A particular instance of this feeling.  3. Grounds for this feeling in a particular instance.

Faith [feyth] noun
1. Confidence or trust in a person or thing.   2. Belief that is not based on proof.  3. Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion.
 

Now, how is it applied in your life.  You “hope” you’ll win the lottery.  You “hope” you’ll pass the test.  You “hope” you’ll meet the right guy (girl).  These are all representative of something that is desired, but highly uncertain and often times we are left disappointed and rejected.  Faith is uncertain as well but based on confidence and trust.  You have “faith” that the sun will rise in the morning.  You have “faith” in your child’s ability to do the right thing.  You have “faith” that the promise your father made to you will be upheld.  You have “faith” that your spouse loves you and remains loyal to your vows.

The acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior must be based completely on Faith.  Without it, there is no substance to our Christian beliefs.  Not one of us walked with Christ through Jerusalem, or amidst the olive trees or along the shores of the Sea of Galilee.  We were not in Bethlehem when the angels heralded his birth.  We have a faith that the Bible is the authentic word of God and is factual in the promises that are made.  God has always required His servants to be faithful, see Hebrews 11 for a deeper understanding:

(v3) By faith we understand God created the universe…
(v4) By faith Abel brought God a better offering…
(v5) By faith Enoch was taken [to heaven] from this life . . .
(v7) By faith Noah built an ark . . .
(v8) By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place to receive his inheritance, obeyed and went…
(v11)..by faith, Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children . . .

There are numerous other examples throughout the bible that talk of the faith of our heroes, who trusted in God’s word without knowing what would happen.  We live in such a cynical society that we have a hard time trusting one another without proof, yet alone trusting God, whom we’ve never seen.  We flock to the bookstores when a new book comes out about life after death, to get a glimpse of what it might be like.  Reading these 21st century books seem to give more credence and comfort in accepting the reality of heaven then the original book written by the Creator himself.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy that those who have seen the face of God are sharing their experience with others.  This helps some who were on the fence accept and believe, and that is valuable.  Over ninety-nine percent of all Christians will die without ever seeing the face of God, but basing their belief solely on their faith that God’s word is true – because it is.

If we accept by faith that Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again; then why do we struggle with God’s other promises captured in scripture?  He promises to love you no matter what, to carry you when you are struggling, to ease your burden and provide peace in your pain.  He promises to give you strength to fight against the enemy and endurance to do the work of His Kingdom.  He promises to give you the Holy Spirit to walk with you and help you spread His love to others. 

“The faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains…” (Matthew 17:20) 

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