Faith that Commends

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation… 

“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 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 this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

“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,.. living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:1-2,4-10

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead...

“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works… Was not Abraham justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? Faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works…—and he was called a friend of God…  Faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:17-18,21-23,26b

The heroes described in this passage were commended for decisions and lifestyles that aligned with God’s purposes and sure hope in His promises. None were commended for acts in a vacuum, but because the decisions they made and the paths they traveled were dependent on God’s will and calling. (Hebrews 11:11-31)

Faith that commends us to God is rooted in Him alone. By very nature, faith is not something we manufacture or must find within ourselves to exercise. It is a gift from God, grounded in who He is and what He has said. (Ephesians 2:8)

How well does our present faith commend us? Are we in a season of spiritual drought, frustrated at our lack of gumption to muster up faith on our own? Have we been too independent, too self-dependent, and neglected the Lord? Where have we been gullible to the world’s mantra that we just need more faith to make things happen? Have we lost our grounding in the Captain of our salvation, the Author and Perfecter of our faith? Where, other than Him and His promises, have we put our hope? (Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2)

If we would own and demonstrate faith that’s commended by God, we must get in step with these heroes, fix our eyes on Jesus and His promises, and run our race with endurance. Regardless of potholes and detours, doubts and fears, temptations and opposition, faith exercised is faith made strong. Indeed, God proves Himself over and over. (Hebrews 12:1–2)

Lord, teach me to walk by faith in Your way, at Your tempo, for Your glory.