Faith is a beautiful act before the Lord of lords. Faith demonstrates our loyalty to Him who loves us. The one who gave His life as the sacrificial lamb for our sins. Amen and Glory to Him alone. Even as Scripture declares:

Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. ² For therein the elders had witness borne to them. ³ By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear. (Heb 11:1-3)

We cannot see God’s physicality in this life, but we can see His work and Glory. We see it in the very nature He created. In the animals, plant life, stars, planets, sun & moon. Everything according to its order.

These things of His creation are beautiful, wonderful and exciting to behold. Even unbelievers are taken aback by God’s Glory in the earth. Even if they refuse to recognize the Creator and King of the Universe.

But there is something even more beautiful that God beholds. What is it? It is the disciple of Christ who lays down their own life and ambitions and begins to walk in His way. Jesus spoke to us in this way:

²³ Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. ²⁴ He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (John 14:23-24)

The answer to faith is love for Him who died for us. For if we love Him we will put away the ways of the world, walk in His character and nature in obedience. Then He will answer our prayers and keep us safe from the world.

I am not talking of the same safety as the world thinks. For the world locks away its own for protection. Our Lord will protect us by placing us into adversity to refine us for the Kingdom. He has called us to be living sacrifices

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Rom. 12:1-2)

So then if we have faith in Him who has mercy on us, then are we not also called to be a living sacrifice if we have left the world and entered His Kingdom? The apostle Peter spoke of faith in this same manner,

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ⁸ whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (1Pet. 1:3-9)

Brothers and sisters, if you are grieved by your various trials, then look up and keep the faith. Whatever we are going through, we are going through it for Him. Peter encourages us further,

¹³ Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ¹⁴ as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; ¹⁵ but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶ because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

¹⁷ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; ¹⁸ knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. ²⁰ He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you ²¹ who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1Pet. 1:13-21)

Let us learn these words and apply them to our walk. For the days are getting darker and we need the Light to see. Be encouraged my friends. For many are falling away even now into utter darkness. Do not lose the hope that you had at the first. Be blessed in Him!