Living by Faith

Tom Barnard

 

"You want to feel supported and assured in the way you practice your faith—true faith is walking without that support. Remind yourself of Jesus crying out on the cross, "My God, My God, why have you abandoned Me?" God withdrew His presence from Jesus

and it was the last blow for the Man of Sorrows. Live by faith."

 

Francois de la Mothe Fenelon (1651-1715)

 

In our experience-oriented society it is easy to allow our relationship with the LORD to become out of balance, relying on experience alone rather than balancing it with faith and reason. Living by faith is not just doing exploits for the LORD, but like Abraham sometimes it is walking for a long time in what we know to be the right way, waiting for God's direction for our next step. This is difficult when we are carrying pain or sorrow. We have Jesus' example to show us it is possible. We are surrounded by

a great cloud of witnesses. If God is for us, who can stand against us? God’s answer is, “No one.”

 

O LORD, I need you to strengthen my faith. My tendency is to be self-sufficient. Forgive me for leaning on my own understanding, rather than on yours. Help me today to trust you with everything that happened this past week—the good, the bad, and everything in between. You know the burdens I carry. As I begin this weekend I give you praise for the blessings I have received, and I place at your feet the concerns I still carry. I ask for rest and renewal as I prepare my heart to worship you on the Lord’s Day. Amen.