Bible Reading Blog
“The Simplicity of Faith”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Hebrews 11.8
When God called, Abram was living with his kinsmen, had plenty of wealth and appears to have been a man of influence. We are given no indication he needed or even wanted to leave. But God wanted to do something with Abram, for Abram and through Abram. It was never about Abram and so God’s decision to offer these promises were not because of his good behavior. God made the first move with expectation of Abram taking the next step with him. And that’s what Abram did.
God’s call and Abram’s response are the fundamental pattern for faith (Hebrews 11.8). We often focus on the magnitude of what God asked and miss the simplicity of faith. It didn't really matter what God was asking. What mattered was that Abram went because he believed God. There was nothing sacred, nothing he held back, no “yes, but…” banter with God to address the other things he had going on in his life. If I were in his place, there might be a sentence in the bible that says, ‘and Daniel asked “why”’ ... and I’m probably not alone. Human nature desires predictability and resolution. We take comfort in knowing what will happen next, even if it’s not great. But we need to consider that God has always called people of faith to simply and practically trust him.
Faith is not an easy road. It challenges our securities, it pokes at our fears, and it questions our foundations. God is not doing this to toy with us but to draw us to him. He wants to fill those spaces and meet our every need. We need to listen when God is calling us. It may not be the same as in times past, but he certainly speaks to us today. God’s word gives us clear direction if we’re willing to listen. Sometimes it calls us to make big sacrifices to walk more closely with God. In fact, as we mature in faith, sometimes he drives us to let loose of things that make us feel competent and secure. In those moments, it becomes evident what our we trust. Other times he simply calls us to engage the opportunities in front of us. To let go of pride and serve my family and friends; to open my heart and serve those I don't feel deserve it. Faith challenges our natural wants to their very foundations. The question we must ask is, “Who will I let determine my activities today?”
People of faith are defined by God’s control over every aspect of their lives: finances, relationships, location, service, etc. Sometimes we deny God control over certain areas of our lives, and it hinders our growth. We need to think seriously about in whom and what we trust, and we need to order our lives in faith. Only then will we experience the blessings of God because he is shown to be great in our lives.
