PASTORAL PONDERINGS

January 2008

     I hate change. The same old way and the same old people have always been fine with me. I was never excited about new teachers in school, electing new leaders, and, in all honesty, calling a new preacher. I daily wish my children small again; the thought of them growing and moving away brings instantaneous tears. Even if the ending year has not necessarily been the happiest of my life, I tend to step into the new one with a bit of fear and trepidation. I don't look forward to the changes that may take place. This character flaw could cripple me and confine me to my home, never to cross the threshold, but for my faith.

     I remember several years ago, our Sunday School class had to count the number of times the word "faith" is used in Hebrews 11. Since I also suffer from what my cousin Sarah and I call "Bible A.D.D.", I found myself reading the entire chapter rather than looking for the "faiths". What I found there was faith and courage to face the unknown.

     The writer of Hebrews begins by defining faith, ^{Heb 11:1} Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. But he does not stop there, he goes on to show where God can take you and what you can do when you allow your faith, rather than your fears, to have free reign over you. Imagine if fear not faith had ruled Noah's life? Hebrew 11:7 talks about Noah's faith in building an ark, as commanded by God, although he had never seen rain. Imagine being called to uproot and move? Hebrews 11:8 speaks of Abrahams faith in going to land that had been promised to him; not knowing where that land was located. He pitched his tents in that foreign land and called it home. Guided by their faith, Moses' parents put him in a basket and floated him on the Nile. Guided by his faith, Moses became a great leader. Again and again there are examples of faith-filled people. All of the people named in Hebrews 11 had one thing in common; they all knew that what they had here on earth was temporary; if not necessarily easy.

     That first step into the unknown could not have been any less difficult for the disciples or for the first missionaries than it was for the "Hebrews 11 People". The persecutions they experienced, both physical and spiritual, were probably just as severe. Yet, their faith led them. Today's Christians and Christian Missionaries face all manner of persecution, yet their faith compels them to continue to spread Christ's message of love and redemption.

     What does this have to do with the New Year? I'll tell you...I have spent the past weeks praying for the coming year, dedicating it to the Lord's keeping and asking Him to increase my faith. It is my prayer that in the coming year I will be able to take that first step into the unknown not with the usual trepidation, but with praise and thanksgiving. And that I'll approach the year not like an adult testing the ocean waters with one toe, but like a child who, with a whoop and a holler of joy, takes off running and dives in head first.

     Like my "Hebrews 11 People", I may not see the result of my labors, but I have faith that God is leading, protecting, and working in all things for His glory.

Have a Happy and Faith-filled New Year!

Laurie

P.S. Rather than give you the number of times the word "faith" is used in Hebrews 11, it is my hope that you will read the chapter and count them yourself.