1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:1-7
In the very first two words we read are, “Now Faith”, and when you keep reading you see every example in this passage of scripture was living on “Now Faith”, not yesterday’s faith, but now faith. Faith keeps us waking up every day, living life, and going to work or church. Continuing on in the passage of scripture, we see that God always points out those that show now faith. Even though the outcome could not be seen, or the goal they were striving for; Yet they knew and understood that God would work through their situation. Throughout the chapter, there are repeating phrases that come up often, “By faith and through faith.” “By Faith” is mentioned fifteen times, and “Through faith” is mentioned four times. The writer was trying to tell us something our faith must be now. We can not go off our past faith or even future faith; it must be today’s faith. We must act on what God is telling he will do.
My dad’s grandma was a prayer warrior in the church she attended and knew how to act on faith. She raised three boys in the church that knew how to pray and act on faith. There came a time once grown they began to make their own decisions and how to live their lives. All of whom got out of church and began a lifestyle of sin. My great grandmother prayed without ceasing. God heard her prayers and promised they would return. Unfortunately, she passed not seeing her boys in church. Two years after her passing, the boys stepped back into the doors of an Apostolic church and turned their lives over to God. Now they are involved in the church they attend. God promised her boys would come, but did not tell her when or how they would. She believed and continued to pray with now faith.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38
When we read the plan of salvation, outlined in the passage above we have faith in knowing when we ask for forgiveness we are allowed to make a one hundred and eighty degree turn from our old lifestyle and live according to the word of God. He can take our old self turning us into the ministers we are called to be. Scripture says we are forgiven and are made new creatures in Christ. We have faith that God has our lives in his hands, no matter what life throws at us we will come out on top. I hope that this will encourage in their walk with God. I pray that it will build your and my faith to know that we will make to the other side through faith. As we go throughout our lives, remember the trials of life can not tear us down, but that they will build us up. That our faith will grow in Christ, so when we come in contact with a friend or family member, we can help them through life to show your greatness. That they, as well as we, can operate with now faith.