Without Faith

Hebrews 11:7 (The Message) By faith, Noah built a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn’t see, and acted on what he was told. The result? His family was saved. His act of faith drew a sharp line between the evil of the unbelieving world and the rightness of the believing world. As a result, Noah became intimate with God.
      

Faith is the initiation to intimacy with God. 

So often we want God to first make Himself real to us, then we will act on it.  We even wait for sign to do something "for God."  We hope the sign will eleviate our out culpability in the matter should things not go so well for us after stepping out. The problem is we aren't aware that God does not act this way. He wants faith first!  He wants His children to step out in faith and act on His Word, THEN the intimacy will come. 

Noah did what looked foolish for a long time.  That is how Christian belief should look for people... foolish.  We don't worry when the World considers us stupid. We don't fret over the opinions of those not believing.  Why?  Because our faith working produces the kind of questioning from others that should make us stand out. 

And that's where intimacy is born.  It is born in the times we deny our self importance in the eyes of others and give God total control of our lives even when it may seem outrageous.  

By faith, God is pleased when we take Him at His Word.

PRAYER:

Father, help me in my times of doubt and disbelieving.  Help me remember that my greatest times of intimacy with you are when others see my life reflecting your Word.  I want to be near you.  I want to draw close.  I know it is by faith.  Amen.