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Scripture Reflection by Sang Sur on Hebrews 11:1,34-40 posted August 31, 2013 - Prayer Tents
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And now, here is the famous chapter on faith.
Verse 1. Simplifying the word faith, it means to trust. Utmost, in all our circumstances, are we able to trust God that He would protect us, guide us, lead us, be with us? This is the crux of faith. It is by trust that all heroes of faith persevered and earned their reputation.
Faith may be better defined as believing in the promises of God. When we start a business or set out to do something great—there will certainly be roadblocks or difficulties along the way. Now, this is where our trust in God may waver. What if this fails, what if God doesn't sustain me, what if I cannot get the cash flow to cover me for the next few months? As the Lord has guided you to start something, our faith would allow us to trust that God will see it through until the end. Holding on to that promise would enable us to keep trusting and not be discouraged
Verse 34. “Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.” By faith God can make the impossible happen. Trust, because He's got it all under control.
Verses 35-40. Oooh... so, here's what trust looks like. Not everything will be perfect in the world's standards. Some of us may die or “fail” in world's eyes because of our faith. It is because that perfection is not here yet.
Certainly, God can use you to build a perfect business where your earnings can support the Church and advance His kingdom; but for some of us, that journey of starting the business may be here, but the fulfillment of the promise may come beyond our time here. (Stay tuned for next chapter).
Ultimately, God calls us to a relationship, and this is of utmost importance—can you trust Him? do you believe He is good? good to you, good for you, and will lead you to a good path?
Then our automatic response is, “yes Lord” and we would follow (definition of being obedient).
Don't waver in your faith. In your current occupation, keep on believing in His promises. Stay strong!
1Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 34quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Hebrews 11:1,34-40 (NLT)
Saturday, August 31, 2013
New York, NY
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New York, NY
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Scriptures Marked by Sang Sur
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