JANUARY 6, 2010

FAITH STILL PLEASES GOD!

Scripture Reading--Hebrews 11:1, 6

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not

seen....But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that

cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them

that diligently seek him."

If it's impossible to please God without faith, then it's possible to please Him by faith. Sometimes we see families in such serious trouble that we assume they're beyond help. Such was the case of the man who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus for deliverance. Jesus told the man, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth" ( Mark 9:23b, emphasis added ). The gentleman said tearfully, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" ( v. 24b, emphasis added ). The disciples were unable to help. After Jesus set the boy free, they asked why they were powerless. Jesus replied, "This kind [ of faith ] can come forth by nothing, but prayer and fasting" ( v. 29b ).

A special friend of ours went home to be with the Lord. Talking to his widow, we discovered something we never knew. For many years, her alcoholic husband had caused misery in their marriage. Her friends advised her to leave him. Because she was a Christian, she refused but remained faithful and trusted the Lord. Eventually, he was saved, and their final years were wonderful. At the end of her testimony, she said, "I'm so glad that I chose to trust God!"

Hers was not an easy decision, and she faced a difficult life for many years. But faith still pleases God! And God still honors genuine faith. And that means there's hope for the family.

The Bible is a book about faith. When life isn't going well, trusting God can be difficult. Bu faith develops best n tough situations. If God is testing your faith as a family, make the choice to trust Him and to allow Him to strengthen your faith.

ASSIGNMENT: Read John 4:46-54. What happened to the nobleman's family because of his faith?

--Jack Palmer--

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN " 1 " YEAR: Genesis cc. 16-19