commit

“we live by faith, not by sight.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

What we believe in our hearts is more powerful than what we see with our eyes.

Through the overwhelming circumstances, we do not lose heart, for our temporary sufferings are nothing compared to the eternal glory that is to come. (2 Cor 4:16-18)

Our faith is not optimism, positive thinking or hoping for the best. It is a decision to take God seriously and act upon what we believe to be true.  Truth known but not acted upon hardens the heart and dulls our ability to believe.

The apostle Paul took his commitment to Christ seriously, so seriously he insisted on walking boldly and obediently toward prison and death. Comfort and convenience were of no consideration because he had eyes to see the Lord at work in his life, and ears to hear God’s consistent reassurance of His faithfulness. Though he faced trials of many kinds, he never gave up and never let his circumstances deter him from serving his Savior. (Acts 20:23-24)

Faith is activity beyond belief!

Lift up your eyes, friend, the Kingdom of God is on the horizon. Strip your focus from all that is seen, and consider the plans God has for you, plans of peace and prosperity. He intends on taking care of you and wants you to expect Him to work all things together for your good. (Je 29:11)

Practice:

Paul told the Romans that faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Spend time this week familiarizing yourself with a story of God’s intervention in the lives of His people — (personal favorites are the stories of Abraham, Joseph or the book of Acts!)
Consistent communion with God builds our faith in times of need and empowers us to make decisions based upon what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do and not just what we think or feel.

centering prayer

LORD, help me to see what you see.