Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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]. |
Subject: Operate on faith or endure? |
Bible Note: You asked: “Wouldn't most of us do God's will if we new exactly what it is?” Sadly, the answer is no. It is our human and sinful nature, still riddled with pride, that so often asserts itself causing us to think we know a better way – our way not Yahweh, pun intended! Look before you leap asking: Will my choice or decision bring glory to God or to me? Will this enable me to fully rely upon God? Will this strengthen my relationship with God? You enjoyed success in the past, but perhaps you are afraid to STAY put now! You observe that the person you are working for has had a history of past failures. You also observe that he is a “believer and a great guy.” He terminated someone and has offered the position to you, so obviously he has a need that you may be able to meet. You state, “I see so many obvious mistakes that are being made and nothing being done about it.” These are facts. Perhaps God will use YOU to be His instrument of change here! Now compare this to what you have written: “I felt a heaviness over me, something is not right here. But I felt obligated to stay.” Don’t trust feelings to direct your course of action; feelings should only confirm what you already know. Perhaps God has a lesson for you, or perhaps your boss, to learn through this experience. You are focusing on the past when you write: “Everything else in my life seemed to line up when -you were working full time as a personal trainer-and I loved helping people to attain their fitness goals. In some cases, it -your work- completely changed them as a person. By that I mean, lifting their self-esteem and confidence.” I must ask: Where is God in this picture? Everything is just about you and what you are doing. Where do you see His plan and His Hand in your experience? How did God use this to shape and refine you, drawing you into a closer, more dependent relationship with Him? Did your experience bring those you were with into a closer walk or awareness of the Lord? God is always on the move, He calls us from something, to something, for something. I can’t encourage you enough to keep looking to Him for direction. Get into His Word. He will speak to you from it! Do not rely on the past, but thank God for those things that you have experienced! Press on! Be excited about what God will do next in your life. He loves you and wants you to follow Him, even if it means that you wait for a while as He prepares the way for you. Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good to THOSE who love God and are called according to His purposes. Focus on the word THOSE – this means that things God allows to happen in my life are not always just for MY benefit – they are GOOD FOR OTHERS as well. God has allowed your life to intersect with this man whom you declare is a believer. He has obviously made some costly mistakes. Don’t second-guess God based upon that past performance either! He may have placed your boss within the sphere of your influence for you to become God’s ministering instrument, to bring confidence and self esteem to both of you!. You wrote: ”I feel (There are those feelings again!) like I'm not truly trusting God if I don't step out and start working to get more clients . . . shouldn’t I be actively working God's plan? Yes, this is a good choice – to follow God’s PLAN for your life, to depend upon Him to equip you for whatever it is that He has prepared for you to do. Ephesians 2:10 Don’t confuse your ability as a personal trainer with the gifts that God has given you. Abilities are things we can do on our own; gifts are dependent upon the work of God. We should be exited about working with Him to use these for His glory! I honestly don’t know what it is that God intends for you to do for Him, but I do know that HE will reveal it to you when you seek Him with your whole heart. Read my note on Psalm 37:4. Jesus tells us to “Seek FIRST HIS Kingdom - that is His Sovereignty and Lordship over your life- and His righteousness -found only in Jesus- and all these things -what you need to accomplish God’s plan for your life- will be given unto you!” May these words dwell deeply into your soul and give you encouragement and blessings! In Christ, Mommapbs |