THOSE WHO LIVE BY FAITH know that there is a world beyond the one we live in—a world more real than the one we see.
While the five senses allow us to perceive the physical world, faith gives us the chance to interact with the unseen world.
Faith is risking what you have for what you're expecting—and life presents us with the windows of opportunity that require radical faith.
The People of Faith
ENOCH's interest was that wherever God goes, he goes. But he couldn't have known where God was going—where His footsteps will lead.
However, he walked with God until God took him. (Genesis 5:24)
GOD SAID to Abram, "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you." (Genesis 12:1)
Imagine Abram living a life of comfort—a place of security, and God calling him to a land he did not know.
He gave up his comfort for a city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:10)
The question is, what are you willing to give up?
MOSES was tending his Fathers-in-law's sheep when he saw a fire in a bush, but the forest did not burn.
And God said to him, "It's time for you to go back." (Exodus 3:10)
Moses was afraid because he could lose his life, but he took a risk and went back to Egypt.
If everything in life is a risk, what are you risking your life for?
SOLDIERS were going to their war positions when Goliath, the champion of the Philistines, shouted his usual defiance.
David heard him, and he asked the men around what the king will give to the man that defeats Goliath.
People who overheard David told the king and Saul sent for him.
Saul tried to discourage him from fighting Goliath. And when Saul dressed him in his armour, David said that he wasn't used to it. So, he took it off.
David took a sling and five smooth stones. He went against Goliath and prevailed. (I Samuel 17)
Are you willing to look ridiculous before everyone by putting your complete faith in God?
FOR ESTHER, EVERYTHING HAD GONE WELL until she heard of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews.
No one appeared before the king without an invitation, but Esther needed to see the king urgently.
So, she called for a fast and said, "If I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16)
And when the king saw her, he was pleased. (Esther 5:1-3)
Are you willing to bet on God
Are you willing to bet on God?
All these people who exhibited radical faith had three things in common: fear, faith and God's rewards.
They were all afraid. So, if you're scared, you are not alone.
And God has not given you the spirit of fear, but power and love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Just like them, you need to step out of fear to conquer faith.
They all knew that God exists. David confirmed this when he said, "Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit, to be out of your sight?" (Psalm 139:7)
They also knew that God rewards.
And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
DAVID understood that it wasn't his accuracy with the sling that gave him Goliath, but a step of faith.
Where there's no risk, there's no faith.
And when next you face a challenge, remember that it's an occasion to trust God.