Narrow and Difficult

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

There are those who seek to make this world their home, to make it comfortable and palatable, teaching that faith is a means to a prosperous life full of success and creature comforts. Yet, the Word clearly says that faith points us to something greater and more meaningful than those things. That "something" is eternal life, and that life is ours by faith in Jesus, and in Him alone.

Faith is not proven by our victories, our breakthroughs, our prosperity, or our successes -- the opposite is true. True faith requires that we hold tightly to God when we do not see, do not understand, and we do not agree with the things God permits. Faith thrives when we do not know where or when our deliverance will arrive, when we suffer losses and setbacks that discourage us, and when we feel like strangers and pilgrims in the earth. Faith grows when it is challenged in stormy times, when God prunes instead of multiplies, when our deepest desires seems farther away than ever, and when the things we feared most are at the door. That is when God draws us near and separates us from the carnal Christianity that must see and possess in order to believe. That is where the road narrows and the many become few.

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

Let's Pray - Father, may we learn to take You at Your Word, and not fashion a "gospel" to our own liking. Help us to cling to You and nothing else in these uncertain times. You are faithful, and so must we be. In Jesus, Amen.