Notes of Faith November 14, 2024
Mountain Peaks of Pearl
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
In Streams in the Desert, James Smetham is quoted as saying, “I suspect that the source of every bit of sorrow in my life can be traced to simple unbelief. If I truly believe the past is totally forgiven, the present is supplied with power, and the future is bright with hope, how could I be anything but completely happy?”1
Heb 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Could it really be as simple as that? Yes, but we must grow in faith. Jesus looked at some people and marveled at the weakness of their faith; others impressed Him with their great faith. As we spend time in His Word connecting His promises to our problems, we grow in faith. As the trials of life drive us to His throne in prayer, we grow in faith. As we learn to look to Him rather than just at our circumstances, we grow in faith.
If you’re in trouble, acknowledge God’s reliability and admit fear. Then take your burdens to the Lord, knowing He is encamped around you. He will fortify you to rejoice in the past, the present, and the future He is overseeing for your good.
[God’s] faithfulness stands firm and is prominent as mountain peaks of pearl splitting the clouds of eternity.
James Smetham
1 L.B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1997), 249.
The heavenly perspective of eternity makes all things bearable, able to endure, even brings joy, no matter the circumstance. We go through many trials and troubles, suffering, pain, grief… Jesus experienced all of these as well and did not sin against God. We only want the good of life and not the bad. Our Old Testament speaks of Job who had much and lost everything (because of Satan) and yet he did not curse God. “The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” God’s perspective of our immediate circumstance is not an end to His plan for our life. We will endure. We will overcome. We will be victorious over death and sin through faith in Jesus Christ! Seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus every day! Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you!
Pastor Dale