Faith Journey

By Thomas Philip 7/25/08

Each one of us is in a faith journey. We are following the path of a multitude of believers (saints) ahead of us.

(See Hebrews 11:4-39 for a partial list of our predecessors in the faith journey.)

What is faith?

[Hebrews 11:1] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Why is faith important?

[Hebrews 11:6] And without faith it is impossible to please God, …

How do we receive faith?

[Romans 10:17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

Does having faith means getting whatever we wish to get?

We may not get what we hope for always. There can be setbacks. There can be suffering. There can be failures.

My faith journey: Fairly smooth ride for over 40 years, but then I had a faith shattering experience. This resulted in redefinition: leaning on Jesus in every situation; Word of God: primary source of encouragement (e.g, Romans 8:28; Isaiah 40:31).

[Romans 5:3,4] we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

We are all pilgrims in our faith journey striving to be more like Jesus each day. Some started early; some late. Some move faster; some slow. No one is in a position to boast. Our ultimate goal is to reach the fullness of Jesus Christ (to be saved from the grip of this sinful world). Also it is not something we can achieve by our own effort: [Ephesians 2:8,9] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. We need the help of the Holy Spirit.

Is each one of us supposed to do this journey alone?

[Ephesians 3:17-19] And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

We are to journey together with other pilgrims. That gives power, encouragement, and correction and instruct in the word of God. Above all, we experience the love of Christ which binds us together. No one can claim that he/she has reached the goal or there is no more room for growth. Faith journey / our pilgrimage is a process. Wherever we are, we are to move towards the goal of seeing Jesus face to face.

When different forces try to distract us what do we do?

[Hebrews 12:2] Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,

Memorize this verse and recall it whenever you are puzzled about your faith.