Faith...

Faith, believing in things without proof. Why is it so hard to believe that God will do what He says He will? Especially since He's already shown Himself to be true so many times in the past - not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others.

Some of my favorite verses from the bible are great examples of some intense faith.

Jumping into the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who were to be thrown into the fire for not worshiping the statue of King Nebuchadnezzar:
"Oh Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to seve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
(Daniel 3:16-18). I love how they are so certain of the character of God, that even if the outcome (like saving their lives) isn't His plan - they are willing to be obedient to God.

The other bit of history that hits the heart is in Esther, when the Jews are going to be killed and Mordecai asks her to risk her life, to ask the King to save their people:
"Do not imagine that you in the King's palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"
(Esther 4:13-14) How cool eh? That Mordecai has such a faith in who God is, that He will provide deliverance for the Jews.

Then there is so much encouragement in Hebrews 11, the 'Hall of Faith', yet "All these died in faith, without receving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth." (Hebrews 11:13). So many continued to walk in faith, believing in an Almighty God, that He will do what He says He will do, and provide for every aspect of their life.

I desire to have that kind of faith.