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NASB | Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality--faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. |
Bible Question: I'm a little confused about faith. Let me explain. I'm listening to Dr. Charles Stanley's series on Walking by Faith. In once instance, he says that we are to operate by faith and believe in God for everything. On the next tape he talks about endurance. Specifically, endure that job. Here's the situation. My employer is way beyond struggling to keep his company afloat. Last pay period we (1 person got paid) didn't get paid since there was no money. I also am a Personal Trainer. I feel this is my calling to help other people. I want to quit my job and just do personal training. So...do I endure? Do I operate on faith and leave the job knowing that God will provide the clients I need to be profitable. I'm really confused about operating faith. Somebody help me out on this. |
Bible Answer: Faith always has an object. Jesus is the object of our faith. We believe God because of WHO HE IS; we are confident that He will do as He promises. But do we leap off a bridge because He says in Jude 1:24 that "He will keep us from falling?" Hardly! We must be very careful to not abuse God's Word! God's plans for our lives do not come in a neatly wrapped box, ready for us to tear into and enjoy. Instead, His plan is most often hidden, waiting to be discovered! There is great joy in seeking and finding the "surprises" of God! In order to help you sort out your situation may I suggest the following: place your wants and God's will in separate categories until you are sure that they are aligned. Do not not trust your "feelings." Faith is not about feelings, but it is being confident about WHO and what we cannot see. You believe that your calling is to help others. You want to quit your job. Where does God's will figure into these statements? If God has indeed called you to serve others, are you sure that it is specifically "personal training?" If it is, then God will give others for you to serve. But, before you "leap" I would encourage you to spend much time in prayer and in searching God's Word for direction. He will be faithful to answer you when you call upon Him! Sometimes He says, "Yes;" sometimes He says, "No;" and other times He says, "Wait a while." After this, please seek the counsel of a mature believer. God's plan will be clear when what He says by His Spirit through His Word, through prayer, through experiences He gives you, and through other believers is in agreement. You have faith in Jesus. This faith enables you to endure the period you are now in! I call this "God's waiting room!" God's Word tells us to wait patiently for Him! If your hope is in Jesus - He knows what you need and will provide, but it will be in His timing. Don't rush God; let Him make the path straight before you! Sometimes, He has to get out heavy equipment to move some roadblocks - but it's worth the wait! |