Most of us would like the ability to do certain things in life that we can\u2019t normally do. I\u2019m talking about things that are not just really hard but impossible.<\/p>\n
Even the most devoted followers of Jesus cannot fix certain things, but we do know the one who can. The wonderful thing about life in Christ is that we get to engage in amazing things we could not do on our own. In fact, Jesus calls us to participate with him in accomplishing what we cannot do ourselves: seeing lost loved ones come to faith, seeing broken marriages restored, seeing unsaved people in our community rescued from a hopeless eternity. Through our faith in Jesus, we get to see and even take part in such things as they are accomplished by his power, majesty, and authority.<\/p>\n
Hebrews 11 is the chapter known as the \u201cHall of Faith,\u201d listing biblical figures who pleased God through great acts of faith. From Abraham to Sarah to David to Samuel to Gideon and a host of others, we see believers commended not for their talents or achievements but for trusting God to do what was beyond their abilities. Together, they comprise \u201cso great a cloud of witnesses\u201d (see Hebrews 12:1).<\/p>\n
That phrase tells us there is a life of faith to be lived. To attain that life, we are urged to lay aside every weight that prevents us from trusting faith. \u201cSince we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely\u2026\u201d (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)<\/em>. What are these weights, these obstacles to faith? I know many Christians who are weighed down by unbelief. As they consider their circumstances, they think, \u201cMy need will never be filled. I\u2019ve prayed endlessly and asked others to pray for me, including church elders; but the answer never comes. Nothing I\u2019ve tried works.\u201d<\/p>\n The problem for many is that they look to their circumstances more than to the God who controls all circumstances. Their faith ends up stalled by a \u201cweight that slows us down.\u201d I can assure you that what God has promised can never be thwarted. Every word he sends forth will ultimately be accomplished. Satan knows this, and all he can do is try to slow down God\u2019s purposes by convincing us to wallow in our difficulties. If your situation seems hopeless, the life of faith calls you to believe, \u201cOne day God will fulfill what I\u2019m unable to envision now.\u201d<\/p>\n