PAUSE. Right now, think about your faith. Are you confident in it? Could you use a faith boost? Today we explore – “faith is humble confidence.”
Let’s Tear Into – Faith Is Humble Confidence
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
These are today’s Scriptures.
- “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1)
- “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (Jas. 4:10)
- “So, do not throw away your confidence. It will be richly rewarded.” (Heb. 10:35)
- “Who hopes for what they already have?” (Rom. 8:24)
That’s what those verses say.
2. What Does It Mean?
Let’s explore.
- “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1) In Christ, faith actually gives you confidence to manage another day. Plus, it gives you genuine hope God is working in ways you can’t see.
- “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (Jas. 4:10) When you humble yourself before God, you gain access to His resources. Plus, you are encouraged and empowered.
- “So, do not throw away your confidence. It will be richly rewarded.” (Heb. 10:35) God always rewards confidence in Him. Hang onto this.
- “Who hopes for what they already have?” (Rom. 8:24) When you receive something you hope for, you stop hoping – because it’s now yours.
Interestingly, faith, humility, and confidence go hand-in-hand. Knowing God is the fulfillment of hope.
Realistically, these concepts must become real in your daily living.
Word Picture Examples
Consider two word-pictures of how something is real even though invisible.
- Technologies that access the cloud (a place you cannot see) for critical data you need (from an invisible realm) in order to function in the visible world.
- Invisible ideas or dreams in your heart that become observable as you pursue them.
These examples show invisible realities that can become visible.
That’s what those verses mean.
3. Make It Personal
To make this content personal, let’s explore three things.
1. Biblical Hope
Of course, to bring the invisible dimension into your visible life, you must be humble enough to place faith in God. Additionally, to choose absolute confidence in Him. Basically, this is Biblical hope.
God’s hope is the powerful, driving force that fills your –
- Heart with energy.
- Mind with new ideas.
- Spirit with joy.
- Soul with song.
Subsequently, it’s real! Simply, because God is who He claims.
By the same token, to know God, you must actively practice faith in Him. Similarly, you must actively practice humility and confidence. This strengthens your hope.
Actually, practicing anything is a choice you make. Consequently, practicing Biblical hope is your choice.
2. The Invisible Realm
Actually, the invisible realm is something most people don’t think about. Regardless, it’s more real than the physical domain you live in. Frankly, you were designed to exist in both.
Although God is everywhere, He exists uncontainable beyond the physical domain. Nevertheless, Jesus entered our physical domain when He was born into the human race – to live among us. Thus, the name given to Him – Emmanuel.
Interestingly, the invisible realm is – for now – where Heaven also is. Plus, it’s where angels exist. Apparently, the enemy and all his forces also exist in the invisible realm.
Personally, I believe it’s a mercy that God doesn’t allow us to see everything in the invisible realm. Rather, He wants you to humbly live by faith with confidence in Him. Consequently, you have hope each day.
The best way to connect with the invisible realm is to be in His Word. Plus, come close to God and apply His ways.
3. Live In This Domain Now
Did you know you can live in God’s invisible domain now? Of course, struggles and problems still exist.
To clarify, trouble free living is not God’s plan. – Faith is.
Without doubt, arrogance is not God’s plan. – Humility is.
Plus, giving up is not God’s plan. – Confidence in Him is.
Further, living with every question answered is not God’s plan. – Hope is.
Therefore, it’s safe to say God is more concerned with you being –
- Single-minded.
- Committed.
- Resolved.
- Set apart for Himself.
This means you’ll choose faith, humility, confidence, and hope.
To apply these concepts in a practical way, do things like –
- In every daily detail, practice faith in the invisible (very real) God.
- Humbly keep personal standards high as you adopt Christ’s character.
- Be confident to adopt a “long-view” of your life. Importantly, set healthy boundaries in relationships.
- Hope in Jesus for promises you do not yet have. Claim them.
Faith in God Makes A Difference
Truly, faith in God does make a difference – on a practical level. Faith –
- Directs your choices.
- Puts a path in front of you where there was none before.
- Unlocks miracles.
- Propels you into action.
- Motivates you where you were previously unmotivated.
- Threads purpose through your life.
- Gives you resolve to stay the course.
- Makes the impossible possible.
- Guarantees your home in the unseen realm.
- Also, gives you a living statement even after you die.
What a list! It sounds so admirable – almost unattainable. The truth? You don’t have to attain the list. Do one simple thing: trust God tenaciously. Incidentally, faith establishes your life purpose. Plus, it deeply pleases God.
Consider – your work will not make a difference in eternal things if you don’t trust God. It’s impossible! (Heb.11:6)
Your life matters “here and now.” It also matters for “eternity!”
Not Very Good At Faith
You may think you’re not very good at faith. Yet, it’s impossible to live without faith. Coincidentally, you exercise faith more than you may realize. To be human is to daily live inside some level of faith – Christian or not.
However, to please God is to engage faith the way God intended you to function. Basically, you adopt His original design.
Faith, a confident choice, links you directly to God. Plus, it connects you to your life’s purpose. You absolutely can do this!
The Secret
Thankfully, there’s a special secret available to you to succeed. Simply, “Draw near to God with a sincere heart.” (Heb. 10:22)
Logically, when you stay close to Christ, your faith grows. Interestingly, it also helps you live an Alive and Active Life.
This secret also means God rewards your faith. “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)
The full purpose of your existence is found only in intimate relationship with God.
Faith proves you believe God. Moreover, you must choose to humbly live with confidence. It also helps you persevere because you know God is real and loving and good.
Finally, this kind of living fills your heart with hope.
Enemies Of Faith
There are many enemies of faith. Three in particular.
- Pride – is blinding.
- Fear – is debilitating.
- Deception – is demoralizing.
KEY QUESTIONS
These questions help you discern where you are regarding enemies of faith.
Pride
- Does pride motivate you?
- Where do you want to –
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- lift yourself up,
- get attention,
- present yourself in a manner that pleases and protects yourself?
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- How often do you feel you must be right?
Fear
- How has fear grid-locked your growth?
- Or, paralyzed your mind?
- Blown-up your insecurities?
- Cheated your heart out of enjoyment?
- Even, provoked overconfidence?
Deception
- Where have you been too sure you’re right?
- Have you concluded life cheated you, and it’s irreparable?
- Have you doubted God’s interest in your life?
- How did you end up –
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- doing things,
- thinking thoughts,
- speaking words – you never thought you would?
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All these things we’ve explored is how you make those verses personal.
An Invitation
I just want to take a moment to say –
- First, thank you for being part of our community/ministry.
- Additionally, please pray for Alive and Active Life.
- Plus, use your voice to get the word out! Basically, tell others about us.
- Further, pray about financially supporting us. Afterall, your gift helps us reach people who need encouragement.
- Finally, we want to hear from you.
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- What do you like?
- How have you been helped?
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Our email address: connect@aliveandactivelife.org.
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
How are you practicing faith, humility, confidence and hope?- Are you living with Biblical hope?
- How effectively are you navigating the invisible realm?
- Are you living fully in our physical domain, yet connected to the invisible domain through Jesus?
- Do you daily draw near God with a sincere heart?
- How aware are you of your enemies?
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- Pride.
- Fear.
- Deception.
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For Your Quiet Time
* Portions of this content come from my book Shadows of Things To Come – a fascinating study in Hebrews
that explores merciful, kind shadows of Jesus over your life. Also from my book – Sharp Shooting: Your Bronze Bow – a devotional book that takes you through Matthew and powerfully challenges you to live like Jesus. You can find these books in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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