GodReflection: Walking Into The Unknown.
There is no better definition of faith than the one given by the preacher in the Hebrew Sermon: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).
Multiple times on this God Reflection Blog, I’ve share with you that God has blessed me beyond comprehension. Godly parents took me from the maternity ward to our wooden worship pew at church. From my earliest days they taught me about faith.
The late Eugene Peterson enriches my soul on most days. This morning, I began to read the introduction to the Bible’s book Ezra in Peterson’s translation of Scripture into modern day language through The Message; as Peterson contemplates the life of the teacher Ezra, he expresses that God uses worship and Scripture to form our identity which is deeply embedded in us.
It is fair to say my initial life by faith was infused in me by absorption. I did not necessarily choose it. Like sunshine and rain, it penetrated my soul. That life of faith is all I have ever known.
A section of David’s Psalms catches my eye. When he begins Psalm 22, he writes from my mother’s womb you have been my God (22:10), then as he speaks of God’s care, he seems to draw that section of his thoughts to a close at the end of Psalms 23, I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (23:6).
In our congregation on Fox and Lake streets and in our home, it was evident my parents, extended family, and church family lived life with the familiarity of one of God’s initial admonitions:
These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
When I reflect on my earliest years of formation, the following words of Jesus sound in my ears and echo across all my many decades of life.
From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:48).
Words taught me in my youngest years and expressed in song frequently appear in my head from a lifetime of hymns sang with many hymnals. This treasured possession of songs and hymns continually plays through my mind. It seems like just when I need it, my hymnal chest opens. Here is one that flows frequently through my ears and my soul:
I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow or sunshine or rain, The Lord I know rules over everything, and all my worries are vain.
Living by faith in Jesus above, Trusting, Confiding, in His great love; from all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.
Though tempests may blow, and the storm clouds arise, obscuring the brightness of life, I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies—The Master looks on at the strife.
I know that He safely will carry me through, no matter what evils betide; why should I then care though the tempest may blow, if Jesus walks close to my side.
Our Lord will return for His loved ones someday, our troubles will then all be o’er; The Master so gently will lead us away, beyond this life’s earthly shore.
Living by faith in Jesus above, Trusting, Confiding, in His great love; from all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.
My challenge each day when I wake up, sit up, and place my feet on the floor, is to live what I have written above. Fortunately, I don’t have to do so from my own strength—or lack thereof—but God The Father, Jesus The Son, empower me 24/7 through God The Holy Spirit—ALL are Eternally Heathy.
I would love to hear from you. What are the insights you have gained thus far as you navigate the life of Living by Faith that is so vital to our Walk into The Unknown?
Stay tuned.
Gary J. Sorrells
A GodReflection on Living By Faith.
God Reflection 
Great article, keep up the good work! Ken
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