BY FAITH    

Now faith is the substance

of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

Not too long after Brian and I were married, I learned I would have a special assignment the rest of our married lives.  Anytime we had reason to take a trip beyond the comfort of where we lived that might even take us away over night,

my job was to have a road atlas on my lap.  It made no difference if I already knew the way or even if he did, that atlas had to be handy.  I didn't mind too much as I've always been fascinated with maps but still I would be asked frequently how soon

we would need to turn or stop. 

I've been reading this week in Hebrews and especially over the last couple of days in chapter 11.  That's where we see the listing of the Old Testament saints, some by name and others not.  You may call me unobservant, as there has been something I've been prompted to think about.  I would include the entire list, but in short we see:

By faith Noah...

By faith Abraham...

By faith, by faith, by faith with other names mentioned.

So what?...you might ask.  Well, I think I've had a bit of that kind of attitude when I've viewed these folks of faith that are mentioned.  We can almost dismiss each person's experience because we know how things turned out for each one.  We read about their lives and feel we know the results as to what happened.  They had no idea at the time what was coming in their futures.

There are times in our own lives we want to know what's coming.  When we think like that, it's not faith.  There's no hope in knowing the outcome of coming events.  Noah built an ark.  Noah didn't even know what rain was, let alone a flood, but he put His faith in God and kept sawing and hammering despite what the crowds of people might have said.

Abraham was such a man of faith.  Yes, at times he asked questions regarding but put His faith and life in the hands of God, never imagining all God had in store.  He was called to pick up and move when older in age, father a child in old age, asked to sacrifice his only son with no coming previews of his life.  God faithfully provided a substitute at that time.  Looking back at Abraham's life, we see a grand result of there being multitudes that would populate the earth because of his faithfulness.

As people of faith, God may lead and direct in ways we can't imagine.  He may do that through events in our lives both positive and negative.  Our job is to place our hope through faith in Him.  He never makes a mistake and we can trust His bidding.

Father, thank You for Your leading in our lives.  We may not understand Your calling at times, but we know You will always have our best interst in mind as You lead.  Increase our faith and, thus, may You find us faithful.  In Jesus name....Amen