If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down… If you are determined to go to Egypt and you do go to settle there, then the sword you fear will overtake you there, and the famine you dread will follow you into Egypt, and there you will die. Jer 42: 10, 15b-16
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Heb. 11:1
In the OT verses above, God is laying out the simplistic nature of having faith. He is saying, trust me and I will eventually lift you up. Don’t trust me and I will strike you down. He is asking them to follow the essence of how the writer of Hebrews defines faith. Be sure of what you hope for.
Sounds simple enough. But, the problem is, God doesn’t actually use the word “eventually” anywhere. And of course we know the Israelites got impatient waiting for God to follow through on his eventual promise.
I’m going through a trying time right now, health wise, and reading these passages helps me a great deal, but they also knock me back a few pegs. I am getting impatient waiting. Waiting for answers, waiting for healing, waiting to hear Him. But, I must realize (as I’m sure some of the Israelites did) that God’s eventuality is different than mine. His idea of time is something I can’t really grasp. What I truly need to realize is that his plan for me (Jer. 29: 11) is for his Glory and the fact that He even considers me in His plan for glory, is amazing. I may not like it, and I may get angry with Him, but I’ve come to realize He can handle my anger. He can take away my pain. He hears me and He will heal me – eventually – for His glory.
Oh glorious God, Thank you for simple faith. Help me to truly know that faith. Amen
Jim (jmitch1)
Sixty-six books in a year 