Believing Isn’t Seeing
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not yet see.”
These are the first words of the famous “faith chapter” Hebrews 11. The author of Hebrews goes on to list some of the heroes of faith whose lives are recorded in the stories of the Bible: Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, and more. In addition to being part of the unfolding plan of salvation that God orchestrated down through the ages, these individuals all had something in common. They had an ability to be certain of some things even without proof. They had an ability to hope with confidence. They had faith.
Faith is a treasure. It is also a gift. And faith is what I am most interested in and curious about these days. God grows faith in the hearts of his beloved people by offering us opportunities to step out of our safe patterns and trust His leading and guidance. He opens a door, and we walk through it. Abraham didn’t know where he would end up, but he knew God would be with him. Moses didn’t enter the promised land, but he experienced God’s presence perhaps more closely and intimately than any other human being. Each of these heroes of faith saw just enough of the path ahead to take a few steps forward, and trust that God would continue to show the way. For God himself is faithful, and has promised never to forsake us.
As I write this pastor’s page, Edmonton is filled with thick hazy smoke from wildfires burning in BC. It’s hard to see very far. Even the sun is reduced to a copper colored disc in a gloomy sky. Walking by faith is sometimes like this. We might not be able to see very far. Our lives can be clouded by discouragements and illnesses, and it is difficult to maintain hope and confidence when we can’t see where we’re going. But by faith we can follow as Jesus leads us forward, one step at a time.
May God give us faith. May He stretch and grow our faith. May we be reminded daily of His love and guiding presence in our lives. And even when we can’t see everything clearly, may we believe and trust that He is in control!
With love, joy and peace from the Boehms,
Pastor Curtis
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