More often than not, our lives are run solely on how we feel. When we are mad, everything else seems horrible. When we are happy, everything feels great. We rely way too much on our emotions.
Faith should not be based on emotions.
When I think of faith, I think of little children. They rely on their parents for food, water, shelter, love, clothing, the list is endless! Do you think that they are fearful of when their next meal is? No. Do they worry about whether or not they will have new clothes? No. Children have faith that is unshakable. It is a pure, innocent, and sweet faith. Our faith in God should be just like the faith of a little child.
Luke 18:16-17 (New International Version)
6But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
Hebrews 11:1-2 (The Message)
1-2The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
Faith is a huge thing. Seeing is not believing, believing is seeing. Faith is our foundation. It should be unmovable and unchangeable. The action of faith is what made the Israelites set apart from the surrounding peoples. Does your faith set you apart? Is it continual and strong? Is your faith present at all times?
John 20:24-29 (New International Version)
24Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."
26A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Thomas didn't have faith that Jesus has been raised from the dead, although it had been prophesied and told to Him by Jesus Himself! Faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see. It is complete trust in the Lord all the time. Faith doesn't have highs or lows. Blessed are you when you have true faith.
Isaiah 7:9b (New International Version)
If you do not stand firm in your faith,
you will not stand at all.' "
Luke 18:42 (New International Version)
42Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
Have faith!
Your Sister in Christ,
Jessica
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