Your way, daddy!
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith. ‘ (Romans 1:17)
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ (John 8:31-32)
20 He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’ (Matthew 17:20)
See how I love your precepts (teachings); preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love. 160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. (Psalm 119:159-160)
3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: ‘So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.’ (Romans 3:3-4)
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ (John 8:31-32)
20 He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’ (Matthew 17:20)
See how I love your precepts (teachings); preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love. 160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. (Psalm 119:159-160)
3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: ‘So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.’ (Romans 3:3-4)
When our children were small we would often take them for weekend walks in the countryside. They’d climb trees and jump in puddles without paying any attention to where we were going. When it was time to head back, I’d say, “Which way is the car boys?”. They would confidently point in completely the wrong direction, “That way daddy!”. I’d point to where I thought it was and ask, “Which way do you want to go, my way or your way?”. Thankfully, they’d usually agree, “Your way, daddy”. Even though they felt the car was one way, they chose to trust me.
This week we are asking the question, what does it mean to live by faith? Often we think of faith as a positive feeling about something that we want to happen. But the starting point is always someone. We need to decide whether or not to trust God as our Father and what he says through the Bible. That is why Jesus said that the issue isn’t the size of our faith, but who it is in. Faith is tested when what we feel is true is at odds with what God says is true. We may have doubts, but if we still live as God tells us to, we are walking by faith.
My boys’ trust in me was touching, but I did sometimes get us lost. Our heavenly Father will never fail us. We don’t get to make up truth, instead we get to discover it as God lovingly reveals it to us. Faith is a daily choice to trust him and to live accordingly.
This week we are asking the question, what does it mean to live by faith? Often we think of faith as a positive feeling about something that we want to happen. But the starting point is always someone. We need to decide whether or not to trust God as our Father and what he says through the Bible. That is why Jesus said that the issue isn’t the size of our faith, but who it is in. Faith is tested when what we feel is true is at odds with what God says is true. We may have doubts, but if we still live as God tells us to, we are walking by faith.
My boys’ trust in me was touching, but I did sometimes get us lost. Our heavenly Father will never fail us. We don’t get to make up truth, instead we get to discover it as God lovingly reveals it to us. Faith is a daily choice to trust him and to live accordingly.
- Have the thoughts and scriptures above changed your understanding of what it means to live by faith?
- Romans 10:17 says, “…faith comes from hearing the word about Christ”. What does this imply about the importance of growing increasingly familiar with the Bible?
- Are there any Bible truths that you are particularly struggling to accept right now? Think especially about those that explain who God says you are. Why not describe that struggle to God in prayer and ask for his help in resolving your conflict. What practical steps could you take to improve your understanding of the issues you are struggling with?
Dear Jesus, I worship you as the way, the truth and the life. I thank you for your promise to set me free by revealing truth to me. I place my trust in you afresh; I may sometimes struggle to understand your word but I choose to believe that only you have the words of eternal life. I am walking by faith in you today. Thank you that you will be alongside me every step of the way. Amen
If you have time, consider carrying on your conversation with God using one of our helpful Prayer Pathways.
Today’s Everyday Devotions have also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube channel.
Join our online service at everyday.online
Today’s Everyday Devotions have also inspired a devotional video that you can watch on our YouTube channel.
Join our online service at everyday.online