Contemplating Faith

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hebrews 11:6

In contemplating faith and all of the good things it accomplishes in our lives, it becomes overwhelming.  Just think about it with me.

First, if we have faith, we are so very free.  There is no FOMO, no manipulation, no gossip, no envy because we are all about obedience to God.  It is that "light burden" Jesus talks about in Matthew 11:30.  We don't have to concern ourselves with the results or how things turn out.  That's the hard part, and that part is all in the hands of God.

Second, if we have faith we are fearless.  Faith equips us with the understanding that no matter what happens on this Earth, God is up to something good.  Here on Earth, we have a limited perspective of all that goodness.  It's like what 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, "But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him'” (NKJV).  Knowing the triune God means we have been made perfect in, by, and through His love and have nothing to fear.

Third, faith gives us focus on our calling and purpose in life.  It helps us silence the world and hone in on hearing His voice each day.  Sometimes I wrestle with this because the world can be so loud and constant.  But then I remember, especially when getting out into nature, that God is even more constant.  He is omnipresent.  Praise Him!

Finally, I think faith is the key to being joyful, excited, and zealous for life.  Why?  It's like being in a good military command or being in a good family.  When your commanding officer or father tells you to do something, you simply obey because you know they have the very best in mind and heart for you.  They've proven it.  In the beginning, you obey because you're supposed to.  But in the end, you would die for them because they've proven how very much they love you (and have some inside scoop you're not privy to) time after time, and time again.

"So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6-8, NKJV).

Goodnight, Faithful Runners.