The Fight of Faith
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” ~Hebrews 11:1
As Christians, our faith is a constant battle that requires us to trust God, even though we can neither see nor touch Him. John Calvin once observed that "Our faith neither should nor can exist without fighting something."
Faith must fight several battles, such as the battle against the fragile permanence of passing things. Although we were made for better things, the world can seem satisfying enough to keep us here forever. However, this seeming permanence is deceptive. Like sheetrock between ceiling joists, the world was not meant to bear the weight of our hope, and those who try to make it so will inevitably be disappointed. Faith reminds us that there is something better beyond this world.
Faith also battles the sweet deception of every temptation. Satan presents the bait and hides the hook, and it is up to faith to see past the pleasures and recognize what's really at stake. With many hellish suggestions, the devil breaks down our defenses, erodes our will to resist, and leads us astray. Faith offers the only egress from such spiritual ambushes. If we do not escape by faith, we shall not escape at all. By faith, we spot the lie, reach through it, and embrace what's really true.
Moreover, faith calls us to send our treasure to another world, not in the short, medium, or even long-term investments of this world. While such eternal treasure is safe from the touch of moth, rust, and thieves, in this life it is also beyond our touch as well. This is a hard bargain for the man who wants his best life now.
The Fall and the curse confront us everywhere we look, and it can be challenging to see things as they will be, not as they are. Faith helps us gain this perspective, but it requires us to look past evil and often through tears. To a heart easily duped by the appearance of things, this is no easy choice– the darkness looks too bright and the dead world too alive with fruitful possibilities.
In conclusion, while faith is not easy and requires relentless battle to maintain, it is essential. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. For he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
As you leave our devotional this morning, where is this a struggle for you right now? How is faith the answer to your fight? What particular aspect of His character or promise in His Word is God calling you to trust?
With that in mind, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us fight the fight of faith. Let us look through and past the fragile permanence of passing things, the sweet deception of every temptation, and let us invest in heaven above–a world that is not only more real but also the only realm destined to last as long as God exists.