In Other Words: Unwavering Faith

I have the privilege of hosting In Other Words today. Blessings to Loni who so faithfully coordinates IOW each week!

If God said that Jonah was swallowed by a whale, then the whale swallowed Jonah, and we do not need a scientist to measure the gullet of a whale. ~ A. W. Tozer ~

I believe it is safe to say that all of us possess some level of faith. When we flip the light switch we have faith that the light will come on. When we get into our car at the end of the day we have faith that it will take us safely to our destination. When we mix up the ingredients for our favorite cake and place it in the oven we have faith that a cake will be created at the end of the baking time.

Biblical faith is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". Regardless of the circumstance, faith in our Lord means that we believe that God can and God will deliver. It also means that we believe the Bible from cover to cover. This type of faith leaves little room for doubt.

Our human minds cannot comprehend the possibility of a whale swallowing a man and a man living to tell about the journey. Jonah's accommodations were in Belly Whale Towers for three days. He probably ate fish for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time! Although this story may be difficult for us to comprehend, it still took place. The devil would love nothing better than for doubt to creep into our minds. Christians must demonstrate faith in their lives and believe that nothing is impossible when serving the Lord. If God said it, I believe it and that settles it!

Tests of faith can be severe. They may involve things that deny logic. They may come in the form of a challenge or command that we may find almost impossible to accept. They may occur suddenly and unexpectedly. Our faith tests can involve things that seem to make little or no sense. They can even seem to conflict with things we have believed God for. But we can be confident that the one, the God who tests us also loves us. And He is all-knowing and wise. We can trust Him, even though the test we experience may seem to deny His love and wisdom. Tests can saturate our minds with questions of why. God holds the answer. We need to tightly embrace Him, trusting Him totally with everything in our lives. As Christians our lives become an example to others who are looking for a reason to hope and believe in this life. A famous hymn from the late 1800s urged Christians to "trust and obey." We may not understand what we are going through when we are tested, but we must trust God and continue to obey Him.

I know without a shadow of a doubt that my God is the real deal. He has walked with me through the valleys and shared the victories on the mountaintop. I have placed my trust and faith in what I cannot see but I know God exists. He has done so many incredible things in my life. Without Him I don't want to think about where I would be today.

We must stand for the truth recorded in the Bible for it is the only sure foundation for faith and practice. If not, we will be victimized by all sorts of false doctrines and those who teach them. Understanding God's love for us personally gives us the strength we need when tested. We also need to be directed into the "patient waiting for Christ." Jesus' example of steadfastness can inspire us to remain steadfast no matter what mountains or whales may be in our way!

Blessings and hugs!