August 14, 2022 WWJWMTD by Steve, the son of John
Let’s Talk Faith
Hebrews 11:3:
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what are visible. (NIV)
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (KJV)
You can read any version of the Bible and all translations use the term ‘understand’. So, faith causes one to understand? How can this be? We are told so often that faith is believing or trusting or overcoming. If one understood the Book of Proverbs, one would have no problem with faith-producing understanding.
Do not misunderstand me, faith is not being smart or knowledgeable or even being clever. No, faith is the vehicle to understanding. One cannot understand any purpose of God or how God works without faith. Let me explain. Anytime you respond to any truth or work of God you are operating in faith. This response of yours can be a physical action, a mental action or both. It is a choice. Faith operates with very little believing but finds its strength in your choosing—your choice. Once you choose to respond to anything God does, God calls you a person of faith, just like all the examples in Hebrews chapter 11.
This verse Hebrews 11:3 begins this chapter on the topic of faith. If we are to have faith, we must also have understanding. God does not want us ignorant or doubtful. Much of our power in Christ comes to us in understanding and this understanding is connected directly to faith.
As verse 3 states, what we now see (our world or the universe) was not made by the materials that exist in this world/universe. You cannot “see your way” to how God created the whole universe, even though science keeps trying to find these “pieces”—what are the initial materials or energy particles that caused all things to be as they are today. Science will never find the one particle or truth that binds all things together or the beginning of all things. Why, because it is looking to what is now to prove what was.
The Bible says just the opposite. God is and therefore all things exist. God is the starting point and once we choose this fact (our choice), that God is, then understanding begins and we can accept and know what God has created and how it was created.
It takes more strength of character to choose God than to accept scientific dogma. Faith requires greater choices than science can ever offer us. Every time I choose God something changes in my life for the better, when I accept scientific theories, this only makes me feel important or smarter.
Science will never find what it is looking for regarding ‘the beginning of all things, but it will give us marvelous insight into how great and magnificent the universe is (God’s creation). Nevertheless, God’s wisdom not only offers ‘new-beginnings,’ but God is the beginning of everything.
So, the next time you are struggling with understanding, start by increasing your faith. Remember, without faith, you can never please God but when you please Him, your faith will change everything and bring you all understanding.
WWJWMTD
What would Jesus want me to do?
Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com
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