Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
In a world filled with doubt, uncertainty, and skepticism, the concept of faith can seem hard to grasp. Though not exhaustively Hebrews 11:1 does define faith for us. Faith is not blind; it is built on a solid foundation of hope in Christ Jesus and trust in the promises of God. But how do we put this faith into action?
Growing up in a home where discipline was valued, I learned the importance of having a disciplined mind. It was not just about obeying rules but later in life I learned that it is about training our thoughts to align with the truth of God’s word. The mind is a battleground where doubt and fear can creep in, trying to shake our faith. We must renew our minds daily through prayer, meditation, and the study of Scripture. When our minds are aligned with God’s truth, we find evidence of His presence and faithfulness in all aspect of our lives.
Faith is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is also a matter of the heart. Our hearts must be receptive to the promises of God, allowing His love and grace to fill us. It’s in our hearts that the seeds of faith are sown, and they grow into the substance of things hoped for. Faith isn’t just about acknowledging God’s existence; it’s about believing in His goodness, His love, and His faithfulness. This deep connection with God transforms our faith from theory into a brighter reality.
Faith is not meant to be a private affair; it’s a powerful gift of God that should motivates us, our families, and households. Just as my upbringing stressed discipline, it also emphasized the importance of faith and a life rooted in redeemed and eternal values. When we get our houses right, we create an environment where faith can thrive. We must lead by example, demonstrating the reality of God’s presence, His faithfulness, and His trustworthiness in our everyday lives.
By getting our minds right, our hearts right, and our houses right, we manifest faith in action. We live out the reality of our risen Savior and Lord in our lives, confident in His existence, standing on His promises, and steadfast in His love. So, let us continue to focus, feed, and share our faith, knowing that God is real, and His word is faithful and trustworthy, making our lives a testament to His goodness and grace.
Because He lives,
Pastor Reggie Sheppard