Tough times have a way of revealing our true nature. If two people were to face the same dilemma, one may grow closer to God and bear fruit while the other becomes anxious and doubts God’s faithfulness. How we respond to trials makes all the difference.
“...But Noah found favor with the LORD...” (Genesis 6:8, NLT)
When the great flood covered the earth, Noah’s family was the only one that was saved. It was because Noah found favor with the Lord. It doesn’t say Noah’s sons had favor, but because they were connected to Noah, their lives were spared. The principle is, when you are connected with people who are favored, people who are further along, people who are more successful, then that favor will flow down to you. You’ll see increase and blessing because of your association.
Hebrews 11:24 - 40
We all love the victorious stories in the “Hall of Faith” of Hebrews 11—enemies are defeated, people are rescued, lions’ mouths are shut, and the dead are raised. But what about those who pleased God with their faith yet suffered and died? The last entries in this beloved chapter convey a spiritual reality many people today are reluctant to embrace—that faith is not a means by which we get God to do what we want.
Hebrew 11: 6 -16
When I was a young boy, my mother let me plant some seeds in her garden. Although she explained that the plants would take time to appear, when nothing happened after several days, I decided to dig them up to check for progress. I found no plants, but what’s worse, I also ruined the possibility of ever seeing any.
Hebrews 11 records examples of people who by faith waited for what God promised, even when it wasn’t visible.
“...Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table...”
(2 Samuel 9:7, NIV)
“...In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success...”
(Proverbs 3:6, TLB)
It’s easy to doubt our ability to serve God when our minds are focused on our limitations instead of Him. Therefore, we must continually remind ourselves that the work is the Lord’s and we can trust Him to accomplish it through us as we respond in faith and obedience.