Faith: A Personal Journey To God

The concept of keeping one's faith to oneself before God is explored in Romans 14:22, which states, Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. This verse emphasizes the importance of individual belief and encourages people to keep their faith private, between themselves and God. It suggests that happiness or blessing comes from not judging oneself for one's own convictions.

Faith in God is believing that God will accomplish what he says he will

Faith in God is a complex concept, and while it may seem similar to belief, it is more like its "cousin". Faith in God involves believing in His existence and having an understanding of who He is, as revealed in the Bible. But faith is more than just intellectual assent; it requires a life-changing reliance on God's Word and a commitment to action.

Having faith in God means believing that He will accomplish what He says He will. This is based on the trust that God's Word is true and that He guides everything. For instance, in Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as the "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". It is about having the confident assurance that what we hope for in God will happen, even if we cannot see it with our physical eyes.

The Bible provides examples of people who had faith in God and acted accordingly. Noah built an ark even though it had never rained before, and Abraham left his family to obey God without knowing his destination. Their actions demonstrated their faith. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 5:7, the Bible says that we should walk by faith and not by sight.

Faith in God is not blind or unreasonable. As Romans 1:20 states, God has left His "footprints" all around us, and the intricate design of the universe points to His existence. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ was God in human flesh, providing the most compelling evidence for God's existence and nature.

Ultimately, having faith in God brings Him joy and is essential to pleasing Him. As Hebrews 11:6 says, "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Faith is contrary to human nature

The phrase "seeing is believing" is often used to describe the human tendency to trust only what can be observed. This is contrary to the concept of faith, which involves believing in something without concrete evidence.

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) in the Bible states: "Faith is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot see." This idea of believing in something before you see it is contrary to human nature, as people are naturally inclined to seek proof before placing their trust in something.

Life often involves setbacks, disappointments, and broken promises, which can make it challenging to maintain faith. People may also associate their faith in God with their trust in other people, which can be complicated by the presence of hurt and disappointment caused by those close to them.

However, it is important to distinguish between faith in God and faith in other people. God, being divine, is inherently trustworthy in a way that humans are not. Furthermore, according to the Bible, it is impossible to please God without faith.

While human nature may lean towards seeking tangible evidence, faith in God involves believing in His existence and His promises, even when concrete proof is not readily available. This faith is not blind or unreasonable but is supported by the intricate design of the universe and the fulfillment of God's promises throughout history.

In conclusion, while faith may initially seem contrary to human nature, it is an essential aspect of a person's relationship with God. By choosing to have faith, individuals can find pleasure in God and align themselves with His will, even in the face of uncertainty.

God's ways are perfect

The Bible says that God's ways are perfect. This is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where God's way is described as "perfect", "blameless", "upright", and "faithful".

Psalm 18:30 states: "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in him." This verse highlights the reliability of God's word and His role as a protector for those who trust in Him.

The Bible also emphasizes that God's ways are just and true. Deuteronomy 32:4 describes God as "a God of truth and without injustice, righteous and upright". This verse underscores the fairness and righteousness of God's actions.

In addition, Romans 14:22 encourages believers to keep their faith between themselves and God. This verse suggests that one's belief should be a personal matter, and those who can make decisions without doubting their actions are blessed.

Furthermore, God's ways are perfect because He keeps His promises. Psalm 18:30 states that "all the Lord's promises prove true". This assurance of God's faithfulness provides believers with confidence and hope.

Finally, God's ways are perfect because He is trustworthy. Psalm 33:4 reminds us that "the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does".

In conclusion, God's ways are perfect because they are just, faithful, and true. He is a shield and a protector for those who trust in Him, and His word can be relied on.

God is ever-present

> Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. — Deuteronomy 31:6

We will feel alone at times. We may feel like we're the only person in the world. That's when we need to hold onto what is true, regardless of how we feel. Our emotions are fickle; we can feel up one moment and down the next. We need to believe what God says, and he said he would never leave us.

When we find ourselves in trouble, we can take a deep breath and thank God that he is right there with us. In this world full of technology, it's comforting to know we don't have to text or call God to find out if he's available. God is there 24/7, and he encourages us to call on him whenever we need him. Putting our faith in God means going to him with whatever is on our minds.

> The LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. — Deuteronomy 31:6

> Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. — Luke 12:7

God is all-knowing and all-sufficient. He knows everything about us, just as he knew everything about Adam and Eve. He made us in secret. He knows when a sparrow falls from the sky and has numbered the very hairs on our heads. God is ever-present, and he cares about us.

God forgives and forgets

The Bible offers several passages that indicate God forgives and forgets our sins. In Isaiah 43:25, God says, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." This idea is echoed in Jeremiah 31:34, which says, "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

While God is omniscient and does not forget in the traditional sense, He can choose not to remember. Forgiveness in human relationships often involves a conscious decision to overlook past offenses and not dwell on them. Similarly, God removes our sins from us and treats us as righteous, rather than treating us as our sins deserve.

The concept of God forgiving and forgetting is also reflected in the New Testament. Hebrews 10 explains how Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a once-and-for-all payment for sin. Through this sacrifice, those who are being made holy are "perfect forever" (Hebrews 10:14). The author of Hebrews goes on to quote God, saying, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17).

Additionally, the book of Colossians describes how God has "nailed our sin debt to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). This imagery conveys the idea that God has not only erased our sin debt but has also destroyed the record of our debt by nailing it to the cross.

The Bible also provides practical guidance on forgiveness, acknowledging that forgiving ourselves can sometimes be challenging. We are instructed to forgive others and "send away" their sins, just as God has forgiven us. Ultimately, God desires for us to have faith in Him and His promises, and our faith brings Him joy.

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