New Year, Walk by Faith

2024 has drawn to a close, and we now stand at the threshold of 2025. Some of us look back on the past year with fondness, while for others, it was a time of hardship. Still others might say it was just another year.

One thing is certain: the experiences of 2024 will shape our outlook on the year ahead. What will we choose to believe about 2025?

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The Power of Faith

As we ponder this question, we come face-to-face with a fundamental concept: faith.

But what exactly is faith? It's a concept that's easier to experience than to define.

According to Merriam-Webster, faith is "firm belief in something for which there is no proof." It's the unwavering trust that a mother has when she believes her missing son will one day return.

Biblical faith is different, as outlined in Hebrews 1:2,

"Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen", 

goes beyond mere belief. It's a confident assurance, a deep conviction that rests on the character and promises of God.

Taking a Leap of Faith

So, are we expected to blindly trust in things without any evidence? Not entirely. Let's consider some everyday examples:

• When you sit on a chair, fly on a plane, or drive in a car, you place your faith in the engineering and construction of those objects.

• You trust the doctor who diagnoses your illness and prescribes medication, even though you can't see the microscopic organisms causing the problem.

• You trust the farmers who grow your food, even though you don't personally know them or witness their entire process.

• We believe in the existence of wind, even though we can't see it directly. We witness its effects through swaying trees, flying debris, and the sensation of coolness or warmth on our skin. The evidence surrounds us, even if the wind itself is invisible.

• We trust the architects and builders who design and construct our homes, workplaces, and stores, even if we've never met them. We have faith that these structures will remain standing.

These are just a few examples of how faith plays a role in our daily lives. We readily place our trust in everyday objects and people, but when it comes to God, we often hesitate.

Faith in the Divine

The most crucial aspect of our lives demands our unwavering faith. Ultimately, our trust can reside in only two places: ourselves or God. We've often relied on our own strength and experienced the consequences. Why not explore what placing our trust in God can accomplish?

While we may have faith in various aspects of the world around us, true life-changing faith comes from trusting in God. Evidence of his presence, love, and power surrounds us. Do we doubt his existence and his word, despite the abundance of evidence?

True faith involves surrender. It's saying, "I trust you, God, no matter what path you choose for me. I may have my own thoughts and desires, but your will be done." This is the faith exemplified by Jesus. It's not about demanding, claiming, or controlling. It's not about trying to force things to go our way. That would be attempting to play God, a role that doesn't belong to us. Our limited perspective hinders our ability to see things clearly or make perfect plans. Trying to control everything will only lead to disappointment and heartache.

True faith in God means acknowledging, "I don't know what the future holds, but I trust that you are in control. Even if I can't see the way ahead, I know that everything is in your hands, and I trust that you will work it out."

The Choice is Yours

As we enter 2025, the decision is yours. God has great plans for all of us this year and wants to do great things in our lives. Will you choose to place your faith in God and his plan for you?

This is just the beginning of our exploration into the power of faith. In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into this topic, examining its impact on various aspects of our lives. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us for updates and further insights.

Author: Godfrey Tobias

Reference List:

• The Holy Bible (New International Version). Zondervan.

• Carson, J. (Date of sermon, if known). Hebrews 11:1-10 Sermon Series [Sermon series]. [Church/Organization where the sermon was delivered, if known]. Retrieved from http://blb.sc/002lGq

• Smith, C. (1982-1985). Hebrews 11 Sermon Series [Audio recording]. Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Retrieved from http://blb.sc/009NpU