God commends faithfulness…

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

It is said of Enoch that “before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.” How did he do this? It was by faithfully living according to the Word of God. We like to do things our own way, react to others in a way that benefits us, and define words and situations by our own terms and for our own pleasure. But none of this kind of living conveys a faith in God’s Word; and the writer of Hebrews warns us, “it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”(Hebrews 11:5-6)

 

Scripture tells us about those who built boats in the desert, how another left home and family not knowing where they were going, had children at some crazy old age, and offered up their child in whom all the hope of their family was anchored… all because God said to; having promised them something better. How often do we miss out on God’s promised blessing because we did what we wanted and not how the One who is absolute perfection planned it…?

No one ever said it was easy, in fact trusting God’s plan is disruptive to the normal mediocrity in life. Can you even imagine walking into the desert, leaving behind all that is familiar and secure, having no idea where you are going or how you will survive? How about spending a hundred and some years building an ark and telling people there is a flood coming… when it has never even rained before? Could you do it… could you trust God’s Word like they did? You even have it written out for you so you can study it, looking back to all the example of God’s faithfulness in these people’s lives… and we still do our thing……..

 

What’s more extraordinary is, “all these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.”(Hebrews 11:13) Noah, Abraham, and Sarah each died ‘in faith’, desiring something more than what this world could ever offer; and it is for this reason alone scripture tells us “God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a place for them.” (Heb 11:16) And more so, He has promised to come and get each of us who live by faith in His Word when that place is ready; Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)

Abraham was not alone when he walked into the desert; God was with him… providing all that was necessary for the journey He had sent him on. Noah was not building the ark alone, God was with Him providing all that was necessary for the task that He had told Noah to do. Abraham did not just sacrifice his son; He gave Him back to the One who had entrusted Isaac to him in the first place… is there anyone better to place your life or the life of someone you love into the care of? No there is not; if God would give His only begotten Son for you, would He not also provide all that was necessary for the journey and task set before you? Will you trust Him? Will you believe His Word and it be said of you, “God is not ashamed to be called you Heavenly Father…?

Choose wisely….

 

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

 

Praying 4 U

 

 

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church.

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Think About This: “God dwells in His creation and is everywhere indivisibly present in all His works. He is transcendent above all His works even while He is immanent within them.” – A.W. Tozer

The Daily Bible Reading: Acts 6 | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. –John 1:16-17