Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
I attend a weekly Bible study that has been ongoing for more than six years. The study is aimed at practical application of God’s Word. This approach can sometimes bring daily challenges but will often bring spiritual growth in each life. Recently, that is what happened.
I ride with another man and have for several years. Once in a while, his schedule comes against his attendance. When this happens, we all share our disappointment and make sure to send a copy of the study via email. But this week would prove different…bring about a different, God-shaped journey and ending.
“We have a new job and will have to miss next Wednesday,” he said. “It won’t be permanent but his schedule requires we clean their house next Wednesday morning.”
True to form, we expressed our disappointment and continued with the morning’s study. But a few days later, it seemed that God was speaking to me about my lack of faith. “We live by faith, not by sight,” says 2 Corinthians 5:7. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal,” says 2 Corinthians 4:18
I understood what God, through the Holy Spirit was showing me—believe that my friend, Matt, could be there—to have faith that God would answer my prayers and shift Matt’s schedule around to allow him to be there. It was suddenly very clear to me; Matt wanted to be in the Bible study, would benefit from attendance and the other men would also benefit from Matt’s presence. This is an element of spiritual warfare and the victory belongs to God. I said to myself, “We don’t have to just say, too bad you can’t come, Matt. See you next time. We can ask God to make a way for him to attend and believe He will do that.”
Two days later, Matt called and said, “Hey, our schedule has changed and I will pick you up as usual.” Joyfully I shared my revelation with Matt and we both rejoiced in the Lord! God cares. God is always victorious, and He delights in answering our prayers.
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