Genesis 32; Mark 3; Esther 8; Romans 3

“After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.” Romans 3:29-31 NLT

Faith makes all the difference.

“Then Esther went again before the king, falling down at his feet and begging him with tears to stop the evil plot devised by Haman the Agagite against the Jews. Again the king held out the gold scepter to Esther. So she rose and stood before him. Esther said, “If it please the king, and if I found favor with him, and if he thinks its right, and if I am pleasing him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. For how can I endure to see my people and my family slaughtered and destroyed?” Esther 8:3-6 NLT

Esther had great faith.

“Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said , “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”…Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.” Genesis 32:26& 28 NLT

I have a friend who told me that she was struggling with her faith. She was surprised when I told her that there have been times in my life when I have lost faith too. And I have wrestled with God. My friend thanked me for sharing so honestly and said it was helping her. I think that Satan likes it when I hold it all in and don’t tell anyone my doubts. When I share my fears it brings them to light and takes away the stronghold it has on me.

“Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, “Come and stand in front of everyone.” Then he turned to his critics and asked, “Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” But they wouldn’t answer him. He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hearts. Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored!” Mark 3:3-5 NLT

My faith is restored… He remains faithful.

Dear Jesus. Help my faith to be greater than my fear. Forgive me for putting my faith in the wrong things. You are my healer and restorer. I put my hope in you. Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

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