Have a Little Faith

Ever since our ministry partnership coach used Hebrews 11:1 to encourage us a few months ago, it has become our family's mantra. We've memorized it with the boys, printed it out and posted it on our fridge, and have recited it to each other many times when it has applied to what's going on in our lives. It has been a comfort as well as something to aspire to over these difficult past months, as we prepare for the mission field in Lesotho, Africa

I am currently in the process of weeding out my home of nearly eight years, sorting through our possessions, assessing their value, and deciding what I can keep and what must be sold. The farther I get in this process, the clearer it is becoming that I will not be able to keep much. In the beginning I had grand thoughts of keeping several pieces of my furniture, our 46 inch flat screen t.v., and a couple other things of value in my home. However, the closer it comes to crating time, the reality that it all most likely will have to be sold, is setting in.

As the gravity of selling everything I have of value weighs down on me, Hebrews 11:1 comes to mind and affords me the strength to continue to let go. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I have reminded myself of this truth over and over again, as I all too humanly begin to think thoughts like, "if I sell all of this beautiful furniture I will never have anything this nice in my home again," or "I will never get the full value out of this furniture, so I must hold on to it." I am taking heed of the fact that whenever such thoughts reach the threshold of my mind they are immediately countered with Hebrews 11:1.

This verse has recently carried another powerful message to me personally. Last week we were blessed beyond our wildest expectations with a brand new vehicle to use until we leave for Africa. Knowing that our family is on the road every weekend until we leave for Colorado and Idaho, a kind and generous local business man wanted to make our burden of travel lighter. He has loaned us a beautiful vehicle. Neither my husband or myself has ever driven such an expensive car, and as we drove to our speaking engagement this past weekend none of the luxury was lost on us. In fact, our entire family sat a little taller in our seats as we traveled. We all pushed buttons. There are so many. We delighted in trying to figure out all the new technology. We inhaled the new car smell, and stretched our legs out a little further than usual.

We could see God in the blessing of this car, but it was not until I was cleaning out the very back seat of the van after our trip that I felt HIS giant hug and reassurance. As I cleaned up the wrappers, books, and toys I pulled out a white peace of paper that was stuck in the back seat. When I looked down my eyes could hardly focus on the rainbow colored words on the front of the card. I had to squint to read them, but the pastel colors spelled out the beautiful promises of Hebrews 11:1. My heart raced, then soared. This card had not come from my home. It had been left in the vehicle by somebody else. It was as if God almighty had reached down and taken me into His arms and whispered, "I see you, I see what you are giving up, and I care. I gave you this van to enjoy because I see that you are letting go of so much. I know it is hard, but I have the power to give you so much more than you currently have."

So, I will not worry that my family will not have furniture to sit on in the future, because I have faith that God will provide, and I am SURE He will. I will not cling to what I see in front of me, because I know God is omniscient, and I am CERTAIN He will give us more than we have laid our eyes on. This is the very essence of my Creator, the nature of my Savior, and the personality of my Sustainer.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see."