To stand firm in this world today, we need faith. Not blind faith in some abstract concept, but sure faith. Such a faith finds confidence in what we hope for and certainty in what we can’t see. Though we don’t see Christ, we know him, and through faith, the Holy Spirit gives us insight into his Word and assurance of our salvation.
We cannot make it without faith.
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Hebrews 11:7 NIV
We cannot make it without faith and neither could Noah. Think about the risk he took in obeying the words of God. How God spoke to Noah, the Bible doesn’t say, but does make clear Noah listened and followed his instructions to the letter. A big wooden boat built on very firm, dry land—that took faith.
Elisabeth Elliot wrote about the faith that moves to action:
We say that Noah built the ark, Noah saved his family and all the animals. From a spiritual standpoint, it was faith that built the ark, faith that saved the family, faith that put the whole world in the wrong, and faith that put Noah into Hebrews 11, that gallery of portraits showing what faith looks like. Noah knew his sovereign.
Elisabeth Elliot, Discipline
Somehow, maybe we could grasp the ark, but getting all those animals to ride along? Really? All I can say is Noah deserved to be put in the faith chapter of Hebrews!
So, now I look back at my relatively boring life and ask, “What is God asking of me that tells others, I’ve got big, crazy faith?” Yes, I did say crazy, because to the world that’s what it is. Even as Christians, Noah’s faith looks crazy. But I don’t mean it in a bad way, I mean it to say it’s so out there, over the top from what the world expects a Christian to believe, it’s unmissable.
The years ahead are going to increasingly require some big, crazy faith on our part. Are you ready?
Grace and Peace