Faith means . . .

"Now faith means putting our full confidence in the things we hope for; it means being certain of things we cannot see."

"And without faith it is impossible to please God. For he that comes to Him must believe that He exists, and that it is worth one's while to find God."

The life of faith--the only life that pleases God--sees the circumstances of life through the lens of His person and the certainty of His promises:
"I will never leave you or forsake you."
"All things will work together for your good--you cannot escape my love."
"I will give you the strength to face the evil of each day--strength rooted in My joy placed in your heart."
"In the midst of the warfare, I will build a fortress of My peace around you to guard your heart and mind."
"I will supply all you need through my riches in glory."
"I will give you rest and comfort because I will share your heavy burdens and I Am the God of All-Comfort."
"I have made you more than conquerors through Me. My grace is sufficient. Victory is promised through grace."
"I will make all things beautiful in My time."
"I will rejoice over you with singing."

When the Israelites, standing on the shores of the Red Sea, saw Pharaoh and his armies racing toward them over the desert sands, they trembled in fear, maligned God's wisdom, doubted His love. Except for Moses. His faith didn't see an invincible army capable of negating the promises of God. No, his faith saw the Egyptian army lying on the bottom of the sea. He didn't wring his hands in fear. He didn't cry out, "Don't worry, I'll think of something to do." No, he cried out in faith, "Be still. Be silent. Watch! The Lord will fight for you." And then his faith saw the Lord mighty in battle keep His promise. And so he could sing and dance on the other side of the sea while the "problem" lay at the bottom of that sea. "Who is like Thee, majestic in holiness, awesome in praise, working wonders? . . . In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom You redeemed. . . The Lord shall reign forever and ever." Moses, man of faith saw his circumstances through the lens of God's person and His promises.

Today, I took a journey down one of those country roads that I have traveled dozens of times before. Dozens. But always I had traveled it in the same direction--from school toward home. Today, I traveled it in the opposite direction. It was amazing. It was as if I was on a totally different road in a new world. I saw so many beautiful things I had never seen before--homes, fields, old barns, serene ponds . . . it was mind-boggling, spirit rousing to see my journey from another perspective. I don't think I'll ever forget the feelings I experienced as I traveled that "familiar" road. And the Spirit reminded me--one day when I get Home, He will greet me and show me my journey from His perspective--how His loving heart and wisdom saw my road Home. And I will be amazed at the beauty I had failed to see from my limited perspective. And He will take me in His embrace and say, "See, didn't I tell you I would make all things beautiful in My time." Then, He will wipe the tears from my eyes and whisper, "Enter into My presence with a heart of joy and thanksgiving."

And I will--forever.

Faith sees the problems of life through the lens of His person and His promises. And so even if there is no music, His child can dance and sing, "Victory is promised through grace." "The Lord will reign forever and ever."

Faith is silent before Him. Is still--resting in His promises by loving Him with all one's heart through obedience and by loving his neighbors as he is loved by God so that they too can see that He exists--He is real--and it is eternally worthwhile to seek and to find Him.

"Faith is the victory that overcomes the world."