The Hebrew writer wrestled with that question too: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6). Recently I had telephoned my mother to tell her that I was going to be having a "colonoscopy" at the end of the month to be precautious about some symptoms that I was having. Within days I learned that my brother Chris was having some terrible symptoms that the Doctor thought might be Lupus. He is still undergoing tests this week as I write this article. On Saturday, as I spoke with my mother, she began to cry. I responded by saying, "Mother, its going to be alright". Through tears of a mother who lost one son nearly 27 years ago, she said "But now I have to worry about both my boys". I responded immediately "Mother, you don’t have to worry about me, I’m in God’s hands". And this is true! I have no fear, I have faith. Should I be facing illness, or should the Surgeon report to me that all is well, I am living by faith. I am trusting in the sweet assurance of the things that I have only hoped for, because the reality of Jesus Christ, is the way by which we must walk. (note: My brother’s symptoms all went away, and my colonoscopy results were great!)
Though I pray that I live many more years, I do hope that when that day comes somehow the words that Paul wrote to Timothy will be the reassurance of my life: "As for me, I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Tim 4:6-8). Now how did Paul write such eloquent words? Because he had "Faith!". "And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Sampson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to fight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again...Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and chains of imprionsonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword..." (Hebrews 11:32-37) So how much more faith should we have, who have heard for ourselves about Jesus the Christ?