"So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ."
Romans 10:17 (NRSV)
Prodigal Thoughts: You’ve heard the old adage, "Seeing is believing", but according to the writer of Hebrews, "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Though this verse is fairly short, I find that it is jammed full of meaning. My mind literally races when I read these 17 words. But trying to keep my thoughts focused, I consider the author. Remember, Paul’s name used to be Saul, who persecuted the Christians for their beliefs and for following the teachings of Jesus. That is, until Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus. Saul was blinded and could only hear the voice of Jesus asking, "Why are you persecuting me?" Though Saul had a robust upbringing with education, he still missed the whole point until Jesus stopped him in his tracks. When we lose sight of God’s plan for us, it’s like we are on a journey and being blind. Scientifically, when one loses a sense (like sight), the other senses heighten to help compensate. When Saul could no longer see, he was forced to depend on what he heard. Jesus changed his name to Paul and gave him further instruction for moving forward. Paul pretty much did a 180 degree turn. "ABOUT FACE!!!" He walked away from the way he was and moved toward who God designed him to be. Through Jesus’ teachings and the lives of His followers, Paul had a new faith that was founded in the word of Christ. So, where does your faith come from? For a long time, my ‘faith’ came from the thought that my parents were Christians and leaders in the church. That faith was weak and misplaced. It was when God found me broken, angry, and desperate that I began to hear God’s voice and began to truly have true faith in Him.
Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I pray that you would continue to speak to us and that we would close our mouths and open our ears so we can hear You. That we would base our faith journey in Your will and purpose for our lives and if we are not sure of what that looks like, that You would show us the way. Father, I pray that You would be glorified and that Your name would become greater as a result of our faith and allowing our lives to be shaped by the Creator of all things. Amen.
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God’s grace on you…
Prodigal Mike~
Prodigal Thinker 