People have ardently sought after signs and wonders for
generations. Every new “miracle worker” that comes on the scene has a buzz
around them, especially in this technological age of social media and advanced
technology. It is very easy nowadays to share information not only in the area
you live in but in your country and with people all over the world, in other
countries. Even language barriers can be bypassed by using translation services
to communicate information in writing and by speech.
This is excellent from a communications standpoint and
gives easy access to information. At the same time, it has created many
distractions, as almost anyone can post on social media. The Bible encourages
us to be steadfast and diligent in serving God. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV),
"For we live by faith, not by sight." The apostle Paul reminds us as
believers that our walk with God is to be based on our faith and not on what we
see and hear around us. This means that we need to trust in God’s wisdom and
guidance, even when people and circumstances around us may seem to be pointing
us in a different direction. We need to trust Him even when our expectations
and analysis of a situation tell us to do something or to take a decision that
is contrary to what God has told us in His Word, the bible.
The Nature of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) states: "Now faith is confidence in
what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Faith, according to the Bible, is the foundation upon which
the Christian life is built. It is a firm trust in God's character, promises,
and provision, even when circumstances seem bleak or uncertain. Rather than
relying on tangible evidence or worldly assurances, faith rests in the
certainty of God's faithfulness.
We can find numerous stories in the Bible that show when
people followed what God told them to do even when it did not seem to make
sense to them. A good example of this is Job. Job is one of the books of the
Bible most often used to talk about suffering. Job was a man who was said to
have lived without blame and was upright before God (Job 1:8). In his suffering
his wife and others pressured him, however, Job did not turn away from serving
God (Job 1:20-22, 2:9, 10. He persevered and the happy outcome of the
restoration of what he had lost serves to encourage us and strengthen us to
endure the trials we face in this life. If that is not a great testimony of
faith in God and endurance, I don’t know what is.
There are also examples in the Bible of those who followed
their inclinations and disregarded the guidance of God only to find themselves
in trouble. In other words, they were outrightly disobedient to God. In the
book of Jeremiah, the prophet gave the word of God to King Hezekiah. He did not
willingly do so as they had thrown him into prison when he had delivered a
message from God previously. The king secretly asked Jeremiah to tell him what
the Lord had said and promised that he would not be killed. Jeremiah told
Hezekiah that God said he should surrender to the princes of the king of
Babylon, and he would live. Instead of doing so, Hezekiah went into battle with
them with a disastrous end. His sons were killed, his people were taken into
captivity, the city was destroyed, and his eyes were gouged out.
Our walk is not easy and trusting what God tells you to do is
sometimes easier said than done. When you face dire circumstances, and the
outcome of the situation is highly dependent on the choices you make, the
pressure can be so great that you make the wrong choices. This is why it is
important to use the Bible as a compass in times of uncertainty and trust God
to guide you.
Reports of Miracles, Signs, Wonders, and Prophecies are
Plentiful
If we scan social media and news reports there is no
shortage of stories and reports of strange happenings, signs, and wonders.
Reports of people with extraordinary gifts doing extraordinary things.
Prophecies, interpretation of signs, warnings, and predictions. There is no
doubt that people have been healed and that God still communicates with people.
However, some make false claims and take advantage of people who are desperate
for a miracle in their lives. There are even people who have proclaimed themselves
to be Jesus Christ. This plethora of claims certainly causes people to become
skeptical. There are so many examples of people falsely claiming to have
supernatural powers, claiming to be sent by God. Some of these people take
advantage of others who are seeking a word from God. Some scribes and Pharisees
asked Jesus to give them a sign. In Matthew 12:39 Jesus stated, “A wicked and
adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the
sign of the prophet Jonah.” Signs can be a distraction from genuine faith so we
should not be too hung up on seeking them.
While the Bible is replete with miracles, they serve a
purpose beyond mere spectacle. John 20:29 reminds us, "Blessed are those
who have not seen and yet have believed." Miracles in the Bible often
confirmed the message of God's messengers, but they were never intended to
replace faith.
Living by Faith, Not by Sight
The essence of faith is captured in Hebrews 11:1, "Now
faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not
seen." This verse sets the foundation for a life led by trust in God's
promises, rather than reliance on visible proof. Throughout the Bible, there
are numerous instances where faith, rather than sight, is the guiding principle
for the faithful. Our life as Christians is a walk of faith and without faith,
we will not be able to overcome the obstacles along the way and please God.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV): "For we live by faith, not by
sight." The apostle Paul reminds believers that their walk with God is
characterized by faith, not by what they can perceive with their physical
senses. This shows us the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and guidance,
even when circumstances may seem perplexing or contrary to our expectations. We
are told in 1 Corinthians 10: 21, “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the
cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of
devils.” We are also told in Proverbs 16: 25, “There is a way that seemeth
right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” We need to focus
on what the word of God tells us and not allow ourselves to be consumed by sensational
narratives about things that are happening.
Anticipating the Return of Christ
As for the return of Christ, Matthew 24:36 cautions,
"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of
heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." This verse teaches that
speculation about the timing of Christ's return is futile. Instead, we are
encouraged to live in readiness and obedience. We are to be vigilant and
prepared for His coming, living each day in a manner that reflects our faith
and devotion to Him.
In Matthew 24 of the Bible, Jesus warns us not to allow
anyone to deceive us. He told us that many people will come in His name and say
they are Christ and will deceive many people. In verses 11 and 24 He also warns
of false Christs and false prophets that will come doing great signs and
wonders. Christ instructed that if they tell us to go to the desert to find Him
there, we should not go and if they tell us that he is in a secret chamber we
should not believe it. We are sure that He will return, and He has told us about
some events surrounding His return, but the specific date and time is not known
to us.
Enduring Faith
James 1:12 (NIV): "Blessed is the one who perseveres
under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown
of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." That is the essence
of the Christian encouragement of hope and the reward for accepting Jesus
Christ as your Lord and Savior and living a life that is pleasing to Him.
During trials and challenges, we need to maintain our faith
in Christ. James encourages perseverance under trial, highlighting the reward
awaiting those who remain steadfast in their trust in God. This endurance is
not fueled by the fleeting buzz of the world but grounded in the eternal
promises of God.
Conclusion
In a world where the allure of signs and wonders often
competes for our attention, the call to walk by faith remains resolute. God
desires His people to trust in Him wholeheartedly, regardless of the
circumstances or the clamor of the world. By anchoring our lives in faith, we
find true security and fulfillment, knowing that God's promises are steadfast
and sure. As we await the return of Christ, let us live each day with
unwavering faith, trusting in the One who holds the future in His hands.
In conclusion, the Bible teaches that a life of faith is
not dependent on the buzz and clamor for signs and wonders. If that is our main
motivation, we may allow ourselves to be deceived. Instead, our faith and Christian
inspiration is a quiet confidence in God's promises, a steadfastness in the
face of uncertainty, and a hopeful watchfulness for Christ's return. By walking
by faith, believers stand on the solid ground of God's word, which endures
forever. God wants you to walk by faith.
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