August 11, 2014

"BY FAITH" -- SEVEN TIMES! GET THE HINT?

Hebrews 11:8–22

Brandon Landis
Monday's Devo

August 11, 2014

Monday's Devo

August 11, 2014

Central Truth

Faith is turning your back on what the world finds important, meaningful, and a "quick fix" for pleasure and putting everything in God's hands.

Key Verse | Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13)

Hebrews 11:8–22

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, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.

Dive Deeper | Hebrews 11:8–22

What is faith? The dictionary defines faith as having confidence or trust in a person, thing, deity, doctrine, or teachings of a religion or view. In verse 13, it says that ALL these died in faith. The people it refers to were not without sin, but they ALL had faith in God and the promises that He made to them. Abraham went to a land that he was to receive, and Sarah was to conceive even though she was considered to be too old. They had faith in God and in what He promised -- even though they couldn't see it.

When I was struck with a virus called Dystonia six years ago, I'll admit that I didn't have faith, and I was angry with God. I wanted to know the answer to the infamous question, "Why me?" I wanted to be fixed, I wanted . . . . The theme was I. It wasn't until I gave it ALL to God that I had peace. Faith to me is knowing that God will always be there even when I can't speak, can't use my right arm, can't walk, can't . . . .

I have to have faith, or I will become angry again. When I give it ALL to God, I am truly happy. Even when I CAN'T -- HE CAN!

I didn't understand what it meant to be an exile or stranger in this world until now. These days, I have a hard time participating in a lot of what the world says is important. Before Dystonia, I was playing sports, going to birthday parties, and hanging out with friends while enjoying what the world had to offer. After being struck with this neurological virus, I realized that the world doesn't wait for me anymore. I believed in God before Dystonia, but now I have FAITH that He has my back until I get HOME.

Discussion Questions

1. Is your faith in godly things or worldly things?

2. Are you living on earth as a "stranger"?

3. How well are you living your life by faith?