“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen… By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household…
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise… For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God…
“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar.” Hebrews 11:1,3,5-7a,8-9a,10,13a
“By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8
“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works… You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” James 2:18b,22
The definition of faith calls the mind to higher realities than can be seen. Its exercise involves the unseen, and hope, and the mysterious work of the Spirit. Faith is very real, yet untouchable by human hand, effort, or will. It is God’s gift that by intent and nature must be received and put to use to complete its design. The invisible gift imparted by the Spirit is evidenced in responsive visible action. (John 3:8)
Faith that saves is faith that serves. When it is given it has to give. There is no such thing as impotent, passive faith. What the Lord bestows with grace-filled affection carries His life pulse and must respond in kind.
Where do we see examples of faith in action, and how are we inspired? Has another’s lavish generosity, selfless patience, persistent prayer, difficult forgiveness, or steadfast plodding, when all feel impossible, prompted us to go and do likewise? Where we are lacking, would we ask?
How has God met me in faith-prompted giving of myself and my resources? When has He out-given and out-blessed the meager I offer? What have I learned about His nature, bounty, and invisible power through stepping out in faith and trusting Him? Whom have I told about it? (Proverbs 11:25; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 10:35-36)
Where is the Lord calling me to test Him by putting His gifted faith to a new use? How willing am I to change directions, put away long-held resentment, forgive the unforgivable, move in a new direction, or give more than I think I can afford of time or riches? He is faithful, and will match desire to live by faith with supernatural provision. (Malachi 3:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Father, help me trust Your unseen and by faith give much unto Your glory.
As the rain and snow 