Hebrews 11 New International Version (NIV)
Faith in Action
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
You can continue to read Hebrews 11 and how different people were affected by their faith. I like how th chapter starts off with NOW FAITH IS......
As a little kid, I heard a preacher once speak on faith. I was just a little kid and I put those words deep within my heart. I knew if I prayed, God would answer. I wasn't a kid to went to church on a regular bases. I stayed home with my dad, while my mom went for a short time. I never grew in knowing stories of the Bible or building faith. There was something about knowing I could trust God. My life would move forward and I would need to learn more about God's ways. It wasn't until I was 18 years old, that I experienced the worst thing ever. My dad would die suddenly with heart attack and my mom would want to die too. I heard her cry day and night over the loss of my dad and all she wanted to do was die. That totally affected my mind, my heart and my heath. I ended up in emergency with my nerves and they would give me medicine. That didn't help my brain or my thoughts press forward.
FAST FORWARD LIFE ~
Life taught me to make my own decisions. I had just graduated high school and about to enter college. I had to pull myself together and I had a boyfriend (Steve) who kept telling me to live my life. I wasn't sure the depth of living anymore but he did spur me on in life. I look back to see how that season of our friendship was good for me. He was a great person and I can see how God used him in my life. Then I started taking my mom to church. Thinking that would help her, but it didn't. In fact, it helped me and I met a visiting Sunday School teacher who began to speak on faith. She also told a story of her dad dying suddenly when she was a teenager. She said something like this, I asked God for my dad to be okay and he died. The fact is, my dad was okay with Jesus and I had to learn to accept that. Those words, planned into my heart and I knew my dad was okay at that point.
LIFE ~
It gives us different paths of life. Some still have their parents and complain. Others enjoy their aging parents and speak kindly to them. The joys of life is often what you make it. I remember complaining about my mom aging and now I can look back to cry. I should have cherished every moment I had with her and treat her different. I asked myself if I did a good job with my mom and that answer is yes I did. I rest in knowing I did my best. I hope you do your best with your aging parents too. Maybe you don't have aging parents but you can see someone older around you. Treat others with kindness, love and the gift that God has given you, LIFE WORDS.
LIVING BY FAITH ~
My mom ended up in a care home at the age of 83 and would die almost a year later. After her death, one of the workers told me about the what woman of faith my mom was. My mom was talk about Jesus and faith. I never knew that when she was alive. I think all of the years she went to church, trusted God and then separated herself from church. In her last day, she spoke of God's love to the people in the care home. That made my heart happy to hear. My mom lost her mom when she was only 5 years old. Never knowing the love of a mom and that makes me cry. My mom was the best mom she knew how to be and I will always remember the message of faith as a little girl. Kids hear things and plant things in their heart. In my heart was faith and continues today.
I taught my kids and grandkids about faith. Giving their thoughts over to God and allowing him to live through them with kindness. I'm a different person because of all the things I saw as a kid. That little girl still lives inside of me and I see the wrinkles coming. We were on our way home from vacation yesterday and I told my grandkids, when I turn 100 years old I want them to take me to Disneyland to celebrate 100 years with Mickey Mouse. She talked about how their ages would be 45 and 43. They both said WOW really? I plan on living more than 100 and I want to celebrate at Disneyland. Age is a number and the kid inside of me stays alive. I love my family more than words can say. I love the joys of Disneyland and seeing my kids and grandkids happy.
FAITH ~
I learned along time ago to live by faith.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends. I don't know what you are going through but stir up your faith. Faith comes hearing and hearing the word of God. God does miracles and wants the best for your life. We might not always understand our nows of life, but we can always count on God. Nothing is too big for him. Be encouraged today and share hope with others. I give thanks each day I open my eyes and I've alive. Living in the land of living daily. Purpose this a good day.
~ Sparkie