Hebrews 11:1, 3 tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
This chapter continues by naming Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, who were all people of hope and great faith in God.
It goes on to mention the tremendous faith Abraham had when God told him to sacrifice Isaac, the son he had waited nearly a century to have. In turn, Isaac blessed his sons in faith, one of them being Jacob, who blessed the sons of Joseph by faith.
Moses was hidden in faith by his parents, and later, by faith, he kept Passover, stood up to Pharoah and led his people to freedom.
Through her faith, Rahab hid the spies, and when the walls of Jericho fell, she and her family were spared.
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and many more prophets lived and worked by faith, accomplishing much for the kingdom. And there are many more not mentioned here.
Throughout the Old Testament, we have examples of the great faith of those who obeyed God’s call, suffered much hardship on their journeys, but continued until their jobs were completed, whether they saw the fruit of their labor or not.
Then came Mary, a young woman betrothed to be married to Joseph, who found herself pregnant with the Son of God. Imagine being told you were going to be part of God’s plan to bring our Savior into this world. Whatever she was thinking or feeling, Mary did not hesitate to be obedient to God’s call. Records tell us she asked how this could happen, as she was a virgin. As soon as her question was answered, she responded, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” She put faith in her unseen God and walked into the unknown without hesitation.
Joseph also had this depth of faith. While he had the right to divorce Mary, or publicly shame her, he did neither. He followed the directions of the angel of the Lord, and took her and her unborn child as his own. He did not question the instructions God gave him. He simply got up, in faith, and did what he was directed to do.
Mary and Joseph had plans. They had hoped for what their life would be, the children they would have, where they would live. It was a joyous time of sweet anticipation. God stepped in and turned everything upside down. They were now pregnant before the marriage ceremony, with a baby conceived through the unseen work of the Holy Spirit. How frightening that must have been. They had no idea what life would look like when they chose to step out in trust and follow God’s path.
Mary and Joseph had the same free will we do. Their decision was to trust God. Do we always respond as they or any of the others who bravely went before them?
If only we had the same response when God presents us with an assignment! How often does He ask much less of us, and we hesitate. We make pro con lists, consult our friends, pastors, and mentors, and still struggle with our response? We tell ourselves He could not possibly mean us. We ask Him to repeat the request, or ask for confirmation that we heard correctly. When it comes to God’s will, we should not be vacillating or delaying.
During this season of preparation for celebrating the birth of Christ, I challenge myself and you to consider how you will respond the next time our Lord brings you into His plan. 1 Samuel 15:22b to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.
Father God, as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, I pray that you reveal to each of us the areas we lack faith in You. I ask that as we repent of any doubt and disobedience, we receive other opportunities to be used as a vessel for your purposes. In anticipation of that, direct us as we strengthen our faith, and remain hopeful in you, not in ourselves. Thank you for your abundant grace that brought forth our salvation. Amen.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to all this Christmas!
Janice S.