NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt

Faith: Belief of Things not Seen but Promised 

God does not lie, his promises are real

During this time of pestilence and death, many are turning back toward their faith. It is often in the worst of times that our faith is tested the most. It's always easy to believe when things are going well or when we have an idea how things are likely to turn out, yet during times of tribulation, it is quite a different story. The difficulty has to do with the variable we cannot control, how will I get through this or when will it end? Faith is the belief of things not seen but things hoped for. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 How can one have faith when we have no idea of the outcome? It has to do with trust.

Many of our activities of daily living involve the decision to believe and have faith in what we cannot actually see. When use the American dollar, we believe in the full faith and credit clause of the United States to back the value of the dollar. When we put our money in our local bank, we believe that our money will be safe should the bank go bankrupt. We pay for all types of insurance with the belief that we will be indemnified should we suffer a catastrophic loss. Why than should we lack faith in the promises of a living God? "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths". Proverbs 3:5-6

Yet we know that the institutions of men are temporal and not all promises made are promises kept. How many times did you believe in what you were told to only find out that it was a lie? How many times were you left disappointed? With God, his promises are real. For God cannot lie. "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began". Titus 1:2 The difference between the two is quite obvious, men are flawed while God is perfect. "God is not a man, that should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19 It is quite clear as to who is more trustworthy and that is God. "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1st Corinthians 2:5

But the most important question is where is the proof that God actually delivers what he says? It has to do with salvation. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me." John 14:6 By turning from one's disbelief, repentance and placing your trust solely on Christ's atoning work at the cross, your salvation is assured. From salvation, men and women are changed. Those who are saved become a new creation in Christ. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." 2nd Corinthians 5:17 Real Christians are known by their works. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 If there is any question, either they are new Christians or they never were Christians. 

A God that has the power to save and the power to change men and women also has to power to deliver Christians struggling during their time of darkness. "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Ephesians 1: 18-19 The question is do you really believe by faith? "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6. 

Our Creator has been proven true time and time again by the answered prophesies found in the Bible and his answers to our prayers. Its not a question of just believing but having true faith. Even the devil and his angels believe in God. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19. Our God requires faith but is willing to answer our prayers even if we only have a little faith. "And Jesus said unto them, "because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible to you." Mathew 17:20. How then do learn true faith? It comes by reading the Bible. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Romans 10:17.

So in our time of need, be assured that God has your back and he will never leave you nor forsake you. Place your trust by faith in him and present your needs before him for he will answer according to his promises found in the Bible. Faith is never easy but with God, your faith will always be vindicated. For the power of a living God will never fail you and truth will never disappoint you. In God we Trust.