Keeping Our Eye on the Ball

Faith is something unseen, invisible to human eyes: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) So, sometimes what we believe can feel allusive, especially during difficulties. Our view of God can be limited by what we know, but also what we trust in the depth of our hearts. For example, Solomon compromised many things during his reign as king, reaping negative consequences, whereas David consistently walked by faith: “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.” (I Kings 11:4) Another illustration is how Israel had initial faith when God manifested mighty works and brought them through the Red Sea: “And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.” (Ex. 14:31) However, Israel’s faith had no root so they faltered, not enduring as in the Parable of the Sower: “Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.” (Matt. 13:21) Israel focused on the problems, not keeping their eye on the ball to trust God.

The Old Testament serves as an opportunity for the Body of Christ… will we learn what it is teaching? We have the same flesh and tendencies as Israel. Some saints today know a lot and even rightly divide, but their heart feels God is so far away and an uninvolved power. He set in motion things in this dispensation, but left them, not caring much; not doing miracles, signs, or physical things to help. God is our help and our Father, not just a power, withholding love.

Think on this to keep your eye and heart on Truth: Godalways does everything for your good. (Rom 8:31-39) His motive is love and mercy: “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…” (Luke 23:34) Consider that you may need to personally grow in faith in order to hold the Word in your heart without wavering, trusting His great love. When the Word, rightly divided, says something, is that your mind? If God says He commended his love toward you, even when you were without strength and an ungodly sinner and enemy (Rom 5:6-10), are you fully persuaded?He loves you as a Father loves His only son/daughter, caring about everything that happens to you. Maybe you want God and His relationship to be more concrete: Talk to Him, stay in the Word regularly, and add meditation. Ask yourself questions about whether you really believe and trust it or if it is distant and unreal to you.