Uncertain Times

Read Hebrews 11:1-16

What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. it is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead. Men of God in days of old were famous for their faith.

By faith - believing God - we know that the world and the stars - in fact, all things - were made at God's command; and that they were all made from things that can't be seen. Hebrews 11:1-3 (TLB)

Larry Scanlan, from Maryland, and his wife sat in a neurologist's office to discuss the results of her MRI and the clinical insights of her documented falls, memory lapses, tremors, and other symptoms. Larry's wife was diagnosed with a rare disorder of the brain known as progressive supranuclear palsy. The condition has no definitive diagnostic test, no known cause, and no cure.

In today's scripture reading, we find that even the greatest of Bible characters were like us. They faced uncertain times, they didn't always receive all they hoped for, things didn't always go their way. However, like all of us, by faith they possessed a "longing for a better country - a heavenly one" (v.16). And God prepares the heavenly place which will ultimately satisfy all our longings!

Peace and joy are not dependent on our circumstances, but on the promises of God. We know beyond this earthly journey awaits an indescribable, wonderful, eternal life. Faith is indeed having " confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Prayer: Dear Lord, even during times when we may not feel your presence, thank you for always being with us. Your love endures forever, in Jesus' name. Amen.