Living with Faith

I'm starting to understand a little more what living "by faith" looks like. I was reading through Hebrews and connecting with the truths about faith that are found in this great book.

"Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened to us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:19-23

More than once this fall, I have faltered in my trust that the Lord has great plans for Greg and me next fall. I did this when I first looked for a job for myself out of college, too. In fact, that time I was so stressed that I was sick for 2 weeks! My job search lasted all of 8 weeks that year, so the 4 months we have had so far of applying and interviewing has been a much more involved process than mine was. Thankfully I have grown a bit in my trusting and have not gotten sick or had tears or anything this time around. But I do feel that exuberant excitement I had in September starting to wane as we watch opportunities come and go.

Forgive me, Lord!You wish to bless me through this gift called faith. By leaning on you as my Shepherd, I can hand You my desires and plans and watch You work in this search. By letting go, I can see You bring about your good plan and I get to rejoice and give You the glory. And day by day I can profess to others that I live by faith and not by sight. Help me to hold unswervingly...to not wane in my expectations of your precious gifts and calling on our lives. I love you and I want to abide in You more for everything, not just the things I see in front of me.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1

What a great legacy our Biblical heroes left for us! They were not just hoping for the world to come or for the Messiah to save them; they also exercised faith in the day to day plans. Abraham had faith that the Lord would bring Sarah and him a son in their old age. Noah had faith to build the ark even though everyone around him thought he was crazy. Abraham also had faith to move his family across the land to a foreign place, not knowing where he was going to land! That one really applies right now. We have no idea where we are going to land. But God does and He has a plan for us being wherever that is. The commendation does not come from the GPA (even when its a perfect 4.0!) or from interviewing skills or networking with the right people. The Lord commends us for trusting Him- for being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Another incredible video and song to share with you: "Hungry" (Falling on My Knees)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Js5OnLeunQ

Hungry I run to you for I know you satisfy...