There’s an old saying that goes something like this: “I know the Author of the world’s best seller”.
It doesn’t say I am acquainted with the author or that I met the author once in a book line when I got His autograph. No, it says I know Him. I am more than acquainted with Him, I have sat down and talked with him, I have gained insight and advice for life from Him. I have studied His words and found Him to be the writer of truth.
“… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
It’s important for us to understand that the Bible isn’t just a good book with good principles to learn from. It is THE book of life – not just life on earth but eternal life with God, the Father.
Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is our example of a life lived by faith. Everything we need to know about faith, He has written. How do we learn more about faith? We read and we hear.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 NJKV
The way of faith is not hidden, it is open for all, however, there are few who choose to utilize the faith that has been provided.
“…Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. ” Romans 12:3 CEV
The Bible tells us that when the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert God provided all they needed; their food and water and not even their shoes wore out. He had made them a promise.
“And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.” Deuteronomy 29:5 NKJV
“The people asked, and He brought quail, And satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; It ran in the dry places like a river.” Psalm 105:40-41 NJKV
Jesus taught the Jewish people, reminding them of their promised blessings – building their faith in God:
“Why should you worry about clothes? Think how the flowers grow. They do not work or make cloth. 29 But I tell you that Solomon in all his greatness was not dressed as well as one of these flowers. 30 God clothes the grass of the field. It lives today and is burned in the stove tomorrow. How much more will He give you clothes? You have so little faith! 31 Do not worry. Do not keep saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’ 32 The people who do not know God are looking for all these things. Your Father in heaven knows you need all these things. Matthew 6:28-32 NLV
Faith is the absence of worry and fear. Faith is trust in what God has done and said. He is the one who has given us faith and He is the developer of it. He promised to provide.
May I encourage you to spend time with the Author of our faith, read the Book and learn from Him!