Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3
We all have a measure of faith. When you get in your car, you have faith that it will start and correctly operate.
You had faith in the driver of the car that he, she, or you knew how to drive the car and drive safely to get you to your destination. Faith is trust.
Let me talk about having faith in God. It’s easy to trust God when things are going good. But, can you trust God when things are not going so good? Can you trust God when the bills are due and you don’t know what to do? Can you trust God when you receive disturbing news from your health provider?
I’ve learned that life is not a flowery bed of ease. In this life, you will experience suffering. I’ve also learned how to trust God. When you master in trusting the Master, you have mastered life. I hear the Holy Spirit telling you and me to “walk by faith and not by sight.”
Those of us who believe God know that it’s on the way. What’s on the way? Whatever you hoped for…it’s on the way. Even though you can’t see it…it’s on the way.
So, if it’s on the way, stop being anxious. Stop worrying about it. Stop agonizing over it. Stop trying to figure it out. God’s already worked it out. It’s on the way! Walk by faith. God commends those who walk by faith.
Hebrews 11:2-38 presents a long list of persons whom God commended for walking by faith. These persons were Heroes and Sheroes of faith in the pre-Christian era. Abraham is the father of all who believe (Romans 4:11-12, 16). Abraham is the outstanding example of those who live “by faith.”
God is telling somebody that your season where you are is over. God wants to bless you over there, but you refuse to move to the place of blessing. You will never receive your blessing because you are out of position.
Therefore, you need to stand up, get up, pack up, step up and “walk by faith” to your place of blessing.
Your obedience expresses your faith – not your words. When God says, “Move,” move just like that!
But, don’t move until God gives you the “go” signal.
All those folks listed in Hebrews 11 died in faith never receiving the earthly promises. But God prepared a heavenly city for them.
The most important legacy we can pass to our children is our faith in God. By faith, others trusted God and were beaten to death, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free, trusting that they would rise to a better life afterwards.
And these men and women of faith, though they trusted God and won His approval, none of them received all God had promised them. God wanted them to wait and share the even better rewards that were prepared for us.
On this journey, you must have faith in God. Here’s how to “walk by faith” First, pray. Some things happen when you pray. You and I must remember the key to prayer – power comes from God!
Much prayer – much power! Little prayer – little power! No prayer – no power! Power belongs to God! Your faith increases when it operates under the power of God. Pray in faith to God for direction, and God’s Spirit will direct you.
Second, focus. It’s easy to get side tracked by your surroundings, circumstances, conditions, deficiencies, and inadequacies. It’s hard to stay focused. Your focus must be deliberate. Keep your eyes and mind on Jesus.
Jesus willingly died a shameful death on the cross. Jesus willingly died on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterwards. Because Jesus walked by faith and not by sight, we, too, will walk by faith and not by sight.
The Rev. Dr. Mary S. Minor is the senior pastor of Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church in Los Angeles.
