Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.”
As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, focus and faith were the foundation of my meditation. In Ezekiel 12-16, a consistent theme and warning are inescapable. Ezekiel 12:2, being flesh-motivated, reveals a rebellious heart that blocks spiritual hearing and vision. In Ezekiel 14:2, we are warned about idols of the heart (selfish desires and flesh-motivated preferences). Ezekiel 16:30 calls pursuing idols of the heart and a spirit of rebellion (heart sickness).
Faith, on the other hand, according to Hebrews 11:1, is an expression and demonstration of confidence. Confidence? Yes, confidence in God’s person (integrity) and power. It is a visible manifestation of confidence in God’s Promises, living in expectation. It is a conscious rejection of the “I’m not worthy” mindset.
We have no worthiness in ourselves, but Christ lives IN us, and He is unquestionably worthy. Because of His indwelling presence, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. How dare we think God might not fulfill His Promises because we did not do enough or be enough.
Hebrews 10:10 says that the death of Jesus makes us Holy. Hebrews 10:35-36 reveals the power and value of CONFIDENCE! Not confidence in ourselves, but the confidence of trust in God. That confidence enables us to endure (because we see the ultimate end and trust God to keep His word) and to receive the promises and provision of that promise. So, Hebrews says, “So do not throw away your confidence…”
If we focus on God, set our hearts to pursue Him and His purposes, we gain CONFIDENCE, and that confidence becomes FAITH, and faith pleases God and brings God’s favor. It is an insult to the Finished Work of Jesus to doubt God’s integrity. We doubt His integrity when we shift the focus from Him to us. When we stop anticipating His Word becoming our reality, we are focusing on self and thereby questioning God’s integrity.
Trust God: He does not, cannot, and will not lie!
