HOLD FAST
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)
Holding onto ropes while water skiing is crucial, and also while repelling. Having slipped and slid while repelling, I am very thankful for that rope. Having drunk half a lake while attempting to conquer water skiing to any level of aptitude is another story. I’ve tried and tried, but lake water is not my favorite beverage.
Holding onto the rails of a roller coaster seat is mighty fine. I like speed – but ups and downs are another matter. Let alone the floor dropping out – yikes. No thank you.
How about, holding onto a shoulder when stepping down a curb? Since my feet injury oh so many moons ago, I welcome that assurance of strength and someone to catch me if I were to fall.
Holding onto faith. How does one do this? Or the profession of faith? In this doubting world, I’ll admit it is a challenge of gargantuan proportions. While the rest of the world stumbles, holding onto a firm foundation is out of the ordinary. While others are dropping like flies all around, the one still standing is, well, standing.
What gives? How can one be confident in faith?
We are told in Hebrews 12:1 Jesus is the Author of our faith. He is the Creator and Writer of faith. He made it and gives it to us as an ongoing act of love. Because without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Jesus gives us the tools to please His Father, our Father.
Faith is believing when one cannot see and even when one can see and is scared half to death. Faith is trusting because the situation or circumstance is out of our control. We are powerless. We are limited. We are stuck.
Faith is believing God will be by our side. He will lead us when we do not see the road up ahead. Faith is holding on when all else is saying let go.
The world tells us to make our own decisions, man up, let our heart guide us, and do it our way. It sounds so good on those billboards and in those commercials. And even sang in elevator songs. But, does it pay off in the end? Is there peace now? Do we have the assurance of life with God by just doing it?
Holding onto Jesus is a choice we make. Holding on without letting go is a decision we make daily and it is not an easy one. It is difficult. Challenging. Trying. Tough. And it goes upstream against all the fish swimming the other way.
By holding on to faith, we are showing God we believe. We are proving our faith to Him. We are choosing to believe and not doubt. Doubting is real, and it is tempting. Especially when all around is crumbling. Especially when one has broken feet for almost 3 years.
How does one conquer doubt? Good question.
Call out to the Author of the faith. Much like addressing the author of a book to correct an error, one goes to the source. Let us call out to Him and hold on expecting Jesus to hold us. He is our Refuge, our Rock, our firm foundation. He is our everything. By holding onto Him, we in turn find we are being held fast by Him.
And it is good.
Father, thank You for faith as it is the assurance of what we believe. And believing in You is what I want most. I believe You are good. I believe You are holy. I believe You are for me. I believe You have me in Your everlasting arms because You are faithful. Thank You for giving me Jesus so I can hold on and be held. AMEN
