Pastor Wes Morris
Hebrews 11:8-11 (TLB) Abraham trusted God, and when God told him to leave home and go far away to another land that he promised to give him, Abraham obeyed. Away he went, not even knowing where he was going. And even when he reached God’s promised land, he lived in tents like a mere visitor as did Isaac and Jacob, to whom God gave the same promise.
Abraham did this because he was confidently waiting for God to bring him to that strong heavenly city whose designer and builder is God.
Sarah, too, had faith, and because of this she was able to become a mother in spite of her old age, for she realized that God, who gave her his promise, would certainly do what he said.
✓ FAITH OBEYS BEFORE IT UNDERSTANDS.
Hebrews 11:8 (NIV) Abraham obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Luke 5:5 (NIV) “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”
✓ FAITH ENDURES THE IN-BETWEEN SEASONS.
Hebrews 11:9 (TLB) And even when he reached God’s promised land, he lived in tents like a mere visitor...
✓ FAITH HOLDS ON TO WHAT GOD HAS SAID, EVEN WHEN WE HAVEN’T SEEN IT YET.
Hebrews 11:11 (NLT) It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.
II Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) We walk by faith, not by sight.
I. SAY “YES” TO ONE SMALL ACT OF OBEDIENCE.
John 2:7-8 (NLT) Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
Psalm 119:60 (GNT) Without delay I hurry to obey your commands.
What is one small act of obedience God is asking of me today?
II. FOCUS ON WHAT GOD IS DOING, NOT WHAT I’M FEELING.
Psalm 42:5 (NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again - my Savior and my God!
Faith is not a feeling. Faith is not a mood. Faith is a commitment to trust God’s promises regardless of our emotions or circumstances.
- Eugene Peterson
III. SPEAK GOD’S PROMISES OVER MY SITUATION.
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
