See In Faith

I talked with an individual that is authentically grateful for the gift of the day . . . for life . . . for anything that comes his way.  He is battling a debilitating illness . . . even so . . . he is grateful. 

 So.  Why does he continue to be thankful? 

He said, “God is present.”

Nothing else . . . no “if, and, or but” in his statement. 

The thing is . . . he sees in faith.  He sees the presence of God.

 How do we see in faith?

We see with hope and certainty: ^“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible”  (Hebrews 11:1-3)

 When we see in faith we see that God is always doing more than what we can imagine. Look at the leaders of the early church: The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:49-52 )

 They could see through the persecution because of  faith . . . they saw God was leading them regardless of circumstances.  So . . . they responded with hope and certainty . . . in faith that God had something more . . .  and shook the dust off their feet  . . . moving forward with the message of Christ.

 What was the result?

They were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.  

 What are we to do?

Change your perspective.

Look beyond the circumstance.

See in faith . . . with hope and certainty.

 Live the day with gratefulness . . .  filled with joy and the Spirit of God.

Learning with you to KICK START the day . . . with eyes of faith,

                                      Pastor Kerrie 

 (written by Kerrie Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)
interactstudies/ ~ kpalmer@hillchurch.com ~Church on the Hill~700 N. Hill Rd.~McMinnville, OR 97128~503.472.8476 ~www.hillchurch.com~Archives & Daily Subscription: go to http://kickstarttoday.blogspot.com/