In Hebrews chapter 11 we read:
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
To overcome means to succeed in dealing with a problem or difficulty, to prevail. Faith is required to obtain a good testimony and as we walk out the narrow path of The Way, we will have challenges confront us. We are given opportunities to take alternate paths which are less difficult but not according to FATHER’S Perfect Will. It may be more convenient but allows compromise to enter in and before long we are no longer walking according to HIS SPIRIT.
Abraham trusted in FATHER’S Word and stood on it rather than consider his age or Sarah’s womb. He was rewarded for this faith in FATHER’S Word. We too should not consider our current circumstances but trust IN HIM as we walk out our calling. We may be lacking resources but we should expect FATHER to provide sufficiency in order for us to complete our calling. We must endure hardship when it comes upon us. Faith overcomes hardship and our growth depends on being presented with obstacles to overcome.
Faith requires us to look beyond the current circumstances in the physical realm for they are temporary and subject to change. Can you imagine a farmer standing before a field with a bag of seed and fearful of his crop not coming forth so he is unwilling to plant the seed? He must have faith in what he knows to be true and by faith he prepares the soil and plants his seed expecting success. We must approach life with the same expectation. When FATHER speaks to us, we must cast down vain imaginations of failure and simply walk out what we show us.
By faith Abraham…
By faith Isaac…
By faith Jacob…
By faith Joseph…
By faith Moses…
By faith, you should run the race set before you:
12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity. In these times everyone wants instantaneous results yet FATHER tells us we must develop endurance to run the race. This is not a 100 yard dash but more akin to a marathon which requires much preparation. Marathon runners train for months in order to improve their cardiovascular system in order to complete a 26.2 mile course. Your race is similar to the marathon. There will be days when you simply want to quit but instead FATHER sends someone to encourage you to forge ahead. Maybe your spark has dimmed but HE will bring forth a Word to reignite the intensity required to complete your race.
Let not your obstacles prevent you from crossing your finish line. Let these words encourage you to draw from HIS Strength. Jesus endured the cross so let us likewise endure our “cross”. Let no wall before you keep you from success. Climb it, go around it, or knock it down if need be. Don’t let your circumstances dictate your life but let your faith rise to the state of overcoming and the great cloud of witnesses will cheer you on!