"Unbelief starves the soul; faith finds food in famine." - Richard Cecil.
I recently stumbled across this quote by Richard Cecil and was struck by a sense of self-reflection; particularly around my understanding of faith and it's importance during seasons of scarcity.
Why have faith? Where does it come from? Examples of faith? Why is it so important in my Christian walk? These were just some of the initial questions running through my head.
Thankfully Hebrews 11:1-40. presents a strong basis to start from.
Mark Laurent | Godly Christian Music
"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." Hebrews 11:1.
Devotion
Help me, Lord, to acquire more of it. I know it is not something to be purchased, sold or obtained from friends.
Help me to appreciate its importance within my Christian life and how pleasing it is to You to see more of it in me.
Am I born with it? Is it the result of diligent study or pursuit of the spiritual? Or is it simply a gift; which is not deserved, but because of Your grace, You still find me worthy of it. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Help me to have the conviction to hold on for the things hoped for. To one day testify of their tangibility, their substance, their realness.
Help me to have the humility to lean on You during times of trials and testing. Help me to also have the maturity to know that during such times my faith is shown to be real and if required, allow it to be sharpened and strengthened.
May I remember that every trial is considered pure joy; because such tests; such trials of our faith produces both perseverance and growth. James 1:2-4.
Like those of old, it was by faith a man would build a boat, with no signs of a flood in sight. Hebrews 11:7.
It was by faith, one would leave his home for a foreign land; only to eventually inherit it. Hebrews 11:8.
It was by faith an elderly lady held onto a promise. A promise that she too, in her barren state, would also have a child. Hebrews 11:11.
It was by faith that a man abandoned a path of royalty for one of hardship; pain and perpetual trials. Hebrews 11:24-26.
It was by faith that a prostitute was smiled upon. Hebrews 11:31.
By faith, my weakness can become my greatest strength.
I thank You, God, as it is by Your grace that my faith is still able to find food in a famine.
Amen.