By Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

After a challenge from our pastor this past Sunday, I have to ask the question are we stepping out in faith?  Our church altar was full of signs representing different areas to serve the Lord.  It was a call to the congregation to commit to either pray, give or go and serve.  These are the times when we must stand up, step forward, and step out in faith.  God is calling each of us to share His love with others.  Do we just stay seated or RISE UP and GO and SERVE? 

Stepping out in faith isn't anything new.  When we look in God's word, there were many who stepped out in faith because of their love for the Lord and all He had done in their lives.  Abel offered a better sacrifice than his brother Cain.  Because of his faith, he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.  Abel is even known today because of his faithfulness.  Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away.  He was commended as one who pleased god.  "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6  Noah, took a giant leap of faith when he was told by God to build an ark to save his family.  Even though the people in his day stood back and questioned his choice, he remained steadfast.  Abraham, when called to go to a land he wasn't familiar with, obeyed God's calling and went.  By faith, he made his home in a foreign country.  By faith, Moses' parents hid him for three months and then placed him in a basket in the water.  As a result of the faithfulness of Moses' parents, Moses also stepped out in faith and walked away from a life of riches because he desired the reward of living his life for the Lord.  By faith, the people of Israel put their foot in the water of the Red Sea and watched as God performed a great miracle.  The list goes on and on.

Will we all just stay in our comfortable position in life or will we take a stand because of our faith?  This life is more than the things here on earth - God calls each of us to participate in His great love for the people of this world.  One day we will all stand before Him.  Imagine with me standing before this incredible God, who loves us, who sent His son to die for us, & who has a place for us in eternity.  When we stand before the Lord, will we be commended for our faith as well?  He is asking all of us to step out in faith and serve Him.