Never Stop Believing! (Blog #8)

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." [Hebrews 11:1 NIV] In these times, 2009, many may find it difficult to live by faith or even to have faith or hold onto hope. However, if you and I have nothing to believe in or nothing to hope for, then the outlook is fairly dismal.

Please make no mistake. It is not always easy to hold on to our faith and look forward to the unseen and unknown. Living by faith is a struggle in and of itself. The writer of the Book of Hebrews goes on to describe how the ancients lived by faith and God's Word. Consider Noah, who set about building the largest vessel known on earth as directed by a heavenly voice. What faith that must have taken to undertake such a project and suffer ridicule at the hands of those hurling insults and other objects at Noah as he worked.

God may not be asking you or me to build an ark, but life may be just as challenging as it was for Noah. The question is whether or not we are able to hold on to hope until the future is unveiled. If we choose to believe, we have another promise "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" [Jeremiah 29:11 NIV] For me, the last eight months have been filled with a fair amount of challenges, heartaches and disappointments.

There is a reminder for all of us which is found in a letter written by Paul to the church at Philippi. He writes, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal..." [Philippians 3:13b-14a NIV] Of course, Paul is setting forth an example from his own life and his own faith as he discusses keep your eyes on the heavenly goal. From faith's perspective, Paul goes on to say, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things." [Philippians 3:15a NIV] People who are guided by faith will consider Paul's instruction and apply to the rest of their lives as well.

Therefore, never stop believing that there is a greater purpose and a goal which you and I may not yet see. No one ever said it was going to be easy. In reality, it will take every ounce of strength, determination and will power that we have to keep the faith, to hold on to hope, and to keep pressing on toward the goal which lay ahead. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." [Romans 15:13 NIV]

~ DB Turnmire