By faith

I've been reading a bit in Hebrews. Chapter 11 to be specific, sometimes called the " hall of faith". What a legacy! By faith: the Red Sea opened, the walls of Jericho fell, kingdoms were conquered, the lions mouths were shut, fiery flames were quenched, weakness was turned to strength, dead we're raises to life, others gave up their lives for a better promise, and on and on the list goes. Such exciting stuff! But what gets me is verse 13: "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted they were aliens and strangers [pilgrims] on this earth."

Like Abraham was asked to give up his only son, the only visible hope to see God's promise fulfilled, each of us is asked to give up our most precious hopes and dreams, by faith. But what if God doesn't fulfill His promise on this earth? Will I still trust Him? Can I leave my treasure on the alter and believe that He has something a zillion times better in mind? Can I walk by faith, still believing I have my place in His plan? Will my name someday appear on the wall of faith? Food for thought. 

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2)

By God's grace I will choose to see with the eye of faith and spend my life running after the purpose He has for me. I feel restless and strange here. I'm longing for Home and to see my Jesus face to face. I want to do great things, but I'm afraid of the sacrifice required. I'm afraid to give up the things that bring me comfort or a feeling of security. I have to remind myself daily that He is able to do abundantly more than we could ever imagine. His promises are sure. Its time to live... by faith.