Believe In Order To See

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

“The world says that ‘seeing is believing,’ but God wants us to believe in order to see.”

I read this quote yesterday in L.B. Cowman’s devotional, Streams in the Desert, and it really struck me because it highlights one of many huge differences between God and the world.

God’s way of doing things is often opposite of our way of doing things. We say, “Make it happen;” He says, “Wait.” We say, “Stay;” He says, “Go.” We say, “Worry;” He says, “Trust me.” We say, “Forge your own way;” He says, “Let Me guide your path.” Following Him is often counterintuitive to our nature, but it is always best. Faith is what pleases God.

Hebrews 11 lists a number of men and women who believed, and because of their faith were able to see what God had in store.

Abraham was called to go to an unknown place. He obeyed, living as a stranger in a foreign land. By faith he saw a city whose architect and builder was God.

Joseph, when he was dying, believed that God would bring his children out of Egypt and he gave orders that his bones would be taken with them.

Moses believed that God would deliver the children of Israel from the cruel and mighty Pharoah. By faith he led the nation out and saw God make a way through the Red Sea, providing all they needed.

Joshua led the nation around the city of Jericho believing God would give them the city. He shouted with joy as the walls fell down.

There are so many more stories of faith-filled people who saw because they believed.

Saint Augustine said, “Faith is believing what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe.”

What about us? Are we waiting to see so we can believe? If so we will miss the blessing. Instead, put all your faith in the Almighty God. He wants you to believe Him so that you can see.

Love,

Mama