Faith. Part 1
Here is a dyed-in-the-wool Soccer fan who desperately wants to see the Cup Final in May, and he knows that without a ticket it is impossible to get into Wembley Stadium. He knows that he will have to apply many months in advance to be one of the 88,600 watching the game. And he knows that he will have to pay a considerable price to obtain that ticket. Is he willing to pay the price?
Here is a 6th form student anxious to pursue a career in Physics. He knows that to obtain a place at University he will need to have high grade A levels in Physics and Maths. Will he forego some of the normal pleasures of life to study and win through?
Here is an accomplished athlete with a quite an astonishing track record. But she knows that to be selected for the next Olympics she needs to train and maintain fitness to an extent beyond the average. Is she prepared to make sacrifices in the hope of being selected?
These three examples have one thing in common, a GOAL TO ACHIEVE, and a desire to reach that goal. And each knows that it will be IMPOSSIBLE to achieve without stringent preparations, or paying the price.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews had this to say. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (11:6)
Once again we are presented with a GOAL, (the reward), and an IMPOSSIBILITY, (lack of faith)
Do we want to please God? Then we will want to find out ABOUT FAITH. We will search diligently until we know and practise all that is required of us, thereby to obtain the reward.
If one has no desire to please God, or thinks rewards are automatic without any effort, then he may not be interested in this series. But I would urge him to keep reading, because of its importance.
