You Gotta Have Faith!

 

I wouldn’t normally suggest looking to the late George Michael for advice on biblical theology or Christianity but he nails it right on the head with the title of one of his hit songs, “You Gotta Have Faith”. I confess that I don’t know the lyrics to that song but the title sums up what the writer is saying in Hebrews 11. Please take the time to read this chapter and reflect on how important faith is. The writer summarizes the importance of faith in verse 6 by writing that “without faith it is impossible to please God”. This is very, very true. This chapter reminds us that we understand creation by faith. By the way, if you don’t have faith to believe in creation, I’m not sure why you would have faith to believe in the resurrection of Jesus but… Then the writer goes on to write about how faith spurred God’s people to trust Him and follow Him. He speaks of Abraham and the faith that the people had as God knocked down the walls of Jericho. Then the writer takes a little twist as he talks about how many who had great faith were still tortured and persecuted because of that faith. Their faith may have saved them eternally but it did not save them from suffering (how I wish some of today’s prosperity preachers would read Hebrews 11).

So, you gotta have faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. And if Hebrews 11 is any indication, genuine faith leads to action…believior determines behavior. What kind of faith do you have? Who is your faith “in”? If you are lacking in faith, the answer is to increase your understanding and knowledge of who God is. As you do that, I promise that your faith will grow. In doubt, look to the character and nature of God. You gotta have faith…and God will give faith to you if you ask.