Now Faith is...We look to the future. Yet even scientific discoveries, statistical analysis, and historical research leave many questions unanswered. There are problems needing resolution. There are deep needs that yearn for fulfillment. We often feel a void of uncertainty.
concerning things expected...reality,
concerning things not seen...confidence.
(Personal rewording of Hebrews 11:1)
What is it that offers hope? What is it that offers the possibility, or better yet, a true expectation of filling the void or solving the problem? What is it that provides the confidence that tomorrow’s uncertainties will be manageable?
What is that unseen force, power, or being that gives you strength of confidence and a real expectation that with it, you can face tomorrow; you can overcome life’s uncertainties, your needs will be met?
Do you expect financial success to provide?
A higher paying job, a more lucrative investment, a bigger or better deal?
Do you expect career to provide?
A step up on the career ladder, more authority at work, your own business, career success?
Do you expect physical strength or beauty to provide?
A quest for health and a longer life, pursuit of strength that cannot be overcome, pursuit of beauty to charm and sway the hearts of men?
Do you expect knowledge to provide?
A greater knowledge and a deeper wisdom to outthink and outwit and outlast life’s competitors?
Do you expect the relationship of family, friends, or associates to provide?
The acceptance and tolerance of friends and family; a relationship with someone of importance, someone of wealth, someone of power?
Men have pursued these and other things to provide confidence and hope to meet the challenges of life’s uncertainties.
And yet...
If financial success is that which provides hope and confidence...wealth is your god.
If position or fame is that which provides hope and confidence...success or power is your god.
If physical strength or beauty is that which provides hope and confidence...your body is your god.
If knowledge and wisdom are that which provide hope and confidence...intellect is your god.
Or, do you, perhaps, simply trust in yourself??
The object in which you place your faith, that which, though perhaps unseen, stands as the reality in your life on which you depend for answers… that is your god/God!
I am the Lord your God...You shall have no other gods before Me.--Exodus 20:2-3
Mark Stinnett
July 21, 2024
