Faith 2025
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” [Hebrews 11:1 NASB].
Abel, Abraham, Moses, and the Israelites were all people of faith when God tested their faith in a difficult situation. When Abraham was put to the test of offering up his only son Isaac, by faith he honored God by doing so. Once Abraham obeyed, God told him there would be followers after Isaac, Abraham understood, even though he had God’s word without any visible proof at that time.
It was then that God returned Isaac to Abraham.
All these men received divine approval by trusting, even if they did not understand
Remember doubting Thomas who refused to believe the Lord had appeared to the other disciples after Jesus’ death on the cross?
Thomas insisted upon touching the marks of the nails on Jesus hands and feet. He doubted, needing proof before he believed it was Jesus.
When a new year arrives and we make New Year’s resolutions, do we trust God or ourselves for a commitment When we receive an answer that we hoped for, was it by faith in God or faith in ourselves. When the answer keeps us in suspense as we wait, how long until our faith turns to doubt. We hoped for the evidence of things not seen, but have the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”.
I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore. Faith is forever, day after day, year after year. I believe at the start of a new year we get refreshed and hope for another chance. The question is, can we make our lives better than the previous year. We can if we have faith in God, then ourselves. Sometimes we wait and do not get an answer right away and then doubt sets in. God answers in his own time and there may be a reason he leaves you without an answer.
Many times, I go to bed with worries and pray that tomorrow would be better. I then let go and let God give me peace of mind. The next morning, if I receive positive answers and believe my faith in God gave me assurance of hope. Sometimes I do not get an answer or one I am unhappy about, then my faith is tested. It was then that I needed unwavering faith in God.
People of faith wait upon the Lord to help with our commitments rather than relying on oneself and resolutions. Why not be committed to hopes and let God guide us along the way for answers?
Karen Fleming is a longtime companion and friend of St. Paul’s Monastery and is a frequent contributor to St. Paul’s Monastery communications.