Now FAITH is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed) and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality – faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. (Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Version)
By faith we enter into the kingdom of god! It is important right away to note that faith is not forced upon us, but it is given to us by god as a gift so that we can recieve and understand the things of god. for without it we are not able to enter into god’s kingdom. The word of god tells us that each one of us has been given a measure of faith and even the faith the size of a mustard seed can be very powerful in the life of the believer.
See without faith it is impossible to [walk with god and] please him, for whoever comes [near] to god must [necessarily] believe that god exists and that he rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 Amplified Version)
You must believe that god is god when you approach him, and when you pray to him, you must believe that he is able and willing to answer your prayers that are in alignment with his will. by faith you must believe in all that christ did for us and you must believe that what he did was enough (nothing needing to be added or taken away; we can’t work to achieve the gift of salvation). I know it is beyond what the human mind alone can comprehend, but because of christ and his life, we only must believe, or have faith, in the completed work of the cross in order to be saved and come into the kingdom of god.
The measure, or degree, of faith that god has given to each of us as believers is according to the purpose he has designed us for (Romans 12:3). As his own design, we have each been given the level of faith we need to fulfill the life he has planned for us. but again we must believe him in this. you can see how even our faith has its boundaries (a beginning and ending) in him. We are to move within these boundaries by faith doing our own unique part that has been given to us to do. When we begin to view ourselves as such, we just become more mindful of how we move and interact with others. Romans 12:3-6 (Amplified Version) gives a better summary of what this should look like for each believer and for the Body of Christ as a whole. And the fact that our faith, even if it is small like the mustard seed, is so powerful (Matthew 17:20 New King James Version) it makes our unique design as daughters of god that more special. he has given us these gifts that could only come from him, and he has measured them out according to his purpose and his plan for each of us. This makes me stand so in awe of him!
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of god, (Ephesians 2:8 New King James Version)
Scripture References: Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 12:3-6; Ephesians 2:8; Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6; Romans 1:17; Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5
Reflective Journal prompts
Take this time to reflect and journal using the following prompt questions. Use this time for introspection and communion with god. Feel free to leave a comment on the post but, also, use your own journal to go deeper and to capture your thoughts on what has been shared.
Q: At what point and moment did you become aware of the special, unique design from god that you are and the purpose he has for your life?
Q: In what ways has your faith or belief in who god has designed you to be been challenged? And how did you meet and overcome those challenges?
Take this time to write out a prayer of thanks to god for the measure of faith he has given you and for the purpose he has assigned to your life.
