Faith!

Faith!

By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones. By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. Hebrews 11:22‭-‬23 NIV

Two men, separated by at least 400 years, yet bound by faith. Both lived under different realities, but there was a connection: faith in God who had made promises and whose word could be trusted. The two men did not get distracted by their physical circumstances, but kept right before them the promises God had made. This is the first lesson for me: is there a promise that God has made to me? God's nature is such that it is impossible for Him to lie. If he says it, you can trust it, even to death. We see Joseph actually dying before the reality of God's promises came, but he knew the God he served, and made preparations for his bones to be taken out of Egypt. No man speaks like this without a clear assurance that he has received a word from God. Like Joseph, can I also speak into my future based on the assurance of God's certain word?

Fast forward to another 400 years, and a couple was blessed with a son. How did they know the child was no ordinary child, if they did not have a sure connection with God? For all that lies ahead, I need guidance, leading and direction. I cannot rely on what is popular, or what man thinks, but in what God says. Men may all flow in the same direction, but if it is not God, it does not matter how many people come together to promote it; it will fail. Joseph knew this, Moses learnt this, and as we read about these men today, we are reminded to seek that which lines up with God's priorities. That which God ordains, he will sustain. If it is not of him, he will not promote it. What is the thing I am engaged in at the moment? Can I honestly say it has been birthed by God, or am I pursuing my own agenda? 

When the reality of life stares me in the face, what do I do? How do I respond to situations that are beyond my understanding? When the road ahead is unclear; when men are unsure of what to do; when hope seems to be lost, there is a birthing in me that must come to light, and that is faith that God can do all that he has promised. Joseph did not see the reality, but he spoke of it ahead of time. Moses' parents did not fully understand what was going on, but they acted in faith and kept the boy safe. It took about 430 years but all that God promised was fulfilled. All each needed to do was take steps of faith, and God honoured their faith. For me, what is God expecting from me? What would he want me to do? Where does he want me to be? If I only obey, I will see the mighty move of God in my life, as well as around me. Do you have this kind of faith? God's time of favour is here.