Great Examples of FaithFaith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation…

All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own.If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back.But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:1-2,11-16

Dear God, reading this passage this morning made me think about the Rich Mullins song, “Land of my Sojourn.” The bridge of it says, “Nobody tells you, when you get born here, how much you’ll come to love it, and how you’ll never belong here. So I’ll call you my country, but I’ll be lonely for my home.”

I guess, when it comes down to it, everything I do, right down to taking the time most days to sit down and do these prayer journals to you, is an act of faith. Well, not everything, but many things. Praying for my wife and children. Preaching. Talking about my faith with others. Leading prayer at work. Thinking of you as my provision and worshipping you. Turning loose of my own selfishness and “pursuit of happiness” (I’ll insert the word “worldly” before happiness to make my point clear) and embracing sacrifice instead. And I don’t want to sound like I do all of this perfectly, or even well. I don’t. There are plenty of moments, days, weeks, and even months and years when I am selfish and I don’t completely surrender myself to you. But the moments when I do get it right are complete acts of faith.

Father, Holy Spirit, as I pray for my wife and children, I pray in faith that you are doing exactly what you need to do to get them where you want them to be. Love them. Reveal yourself to them. Help them to each be at peace in you, surrender to you, and pursue you. Of course, I pray the same thing for myself as well. Help me to be at peace in you, surrender to you and pursue you. Help my siblings and my wife’s siblings. There is pain out there in some of those relationships. Please help them to find their peace in you. Speak to each one, including their children. Be their counselor and comforter. Inspire them. Convict them. Fill them with your love.

I pray all of this through the power and grace of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection,

Amen