Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11-12
Most of the time I live with faith. When I live with faith, it is my companion and my friend. Because I believe that God is who he says he is, I am confident. Knowing that he can do what he says he can do, I am comforted. I know nothing can hurt me. I am safe and secure. All of this occurs because I live with faith. But, something is missing. When I survey my life, I wonder if this is all there is. Don’t you sometimes get that feeling that you are missing something? That you were created to do something greater?
Hebrews 11 gives us a different picture of faith. In fact, Paul does not talk about living with faith at all. Instead, he talks about living by faith. They are different. When I am living with faith, I am driving my actions. When I live by faith, however, God is driving my action,s and when God drives our actions, the impossible is possible. Consider these examples given by Paul:
It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did Hebrews 11:4 (NLT).
It was by faith that Noah built a large boat Hebrews 11:7 (NLT)
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)
It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child Hebrews 11:11 (NLT)
What is the major difference living by faith? Action. I think that is why most of us would rather live with faith. With faith, I can stay in my comfort zone, free of fear, uncertainty and self-doubt.