Romans 4:16-18 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
God continually made His power known through the impossible...Noah (built an ark when no one had ever seen rain), Abraham (had a baby in OLD age), Joseph (went from being a slave and imprisoned to being second in command in Egypt, Moses (timid and afraid to speak, lead a kazillion complaining people through the wilderness) Gideon lead a little army against a really big one, and won; a virgin conceived a child (our Savior)...on and on the stories go...and today God continues to make himself known among the most unlikely people. Ordinary people with fear and failures.
I found it amazing that God would call me to lead a Bible Study on "Becoming a Woman of Faith" (by Cynthia Heald) when He could have called m"faithlessness, anxiety~prone, unbelieving woman" a few years ago. Then I thought, "Isn't that just like God?" The above verse came to mind...He calls the things that are not as though they were. As if He was saying to me in spite of my former anxiety, "Woman of Faith"!
Truly His love takes my breath away!
Today was our first day. I have the privilege of two meetings. One Monday morning for the ladies whose lives are full at night. One Monday night for the ladies who work during the day.
I must say that getting together with my "sisters" is a heart~satisfying thing. That is why I am a Blessed Builder...I love, love, love to encourage and "build up"...1 Thess 5:11
For your refreshment, I will give a brief overview of chapter 1.
THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD:
Comprehending His faithfulness is key to our faith. The ROCK that we lean on we must know to be sturdy and firm. Going into scripture, we found God's faithfulness to be:
- Rock Solid (Deut 32:4)
- Unending (Psalm 36:5)
- Forever (Ps 119:90, 138)
- Never Fails (Hebrews 10:23)
- Constantly Dependable (Hebrews 13:8)
- Established in the Heavens (Psalm 89)
- Enduring to all generations (Psalm 89)
He has assumed responsibility for His children as our Perfect Father. Unlike our earthly relationships, he never fails. He upholds us continually.
GOD IS ACTIVELY FAITHFUL TO:
- Equip and empower us (1 Cor 1:4-9)
- Help us (1 Cor 10:13)
- Remain loyal to us(Hebrews 13:5,6)
- Forgive us (1 John 1:9)
We spent some time looking back over our lives and recalling the faithfulness of God to us personally. We saw how fresh His mercy was when we returned to Him from going our own way...How he got us through death of family members, marriage difficulties, financial challenges, challenges with our children or aging parents & medical challenges.
In conclusion we were left with the image of a father holding out his hands for his little girl to trust him enough to jump~knowing He is faithful to catch her. I think most of us can relate to that experience with our parents or with our children.
Where are you challenged in your life to take the leap or cast a burden? Look at the faithfulness of God and you will find He is rock-solid, steady, and trustworthy~able to carry you, or to carry your burden. Leave it in His capable hands. Trust God to care for all your needs.
HE IS FAITHFUL!
AND MAY I JUST SAY/ LIKE SO MANY OTHERS HAVE... (SINCE I FINALLY GOT TO WATCH IT THIS WEEKEND) SEE "FIREPROOF"!!! WHAT A POWERFUL MOVIE! AND DON'T FORGET TO WATCH "BEHIND THE SCENES" TO SEE GOD'S FAMILY IN ACTION! HE WILL HEAL YOUR MARRIAGE~OR ANYONE'S WHO IS STRUGGLING.
