Faith

"The substance of things hoped for...evidence of things not seen."

ok, does anyone ever really think about what these words mean? I claim to have faith a lot but its usually in things that I am fairly certain in, have some confidence that they will succeed, some idea of how things will go... Do I really have faith? God has been challenging me lately to step out into the unknown and let me tell you I have come up with every reason why that is not a good idea! But everytime I decide to take the safe way, my heart is burdened in such a way that I can't fathom just staying in the same place and doing nothing. The truth is I have a choice and God is so good, He'll bless me either way...but is there a way that I ought to take by the prompting of His Holy Spirit that while terrifying in it's unknowns will lead to a deeper knowledge of my Savior, a greater trust in His promises...perhaps more blessing than I could ask for or imagine?

I have been given two words as I've sought the Lord in this matter....

And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." Colossians 4:17

And "wait"...Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your path.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4,5 Wait for peace, for God to confirm, for open doors....

My prayer is that I will have great faith, and my prayer is that I will have great patience and a willing heart to take heed the ministry the Lord has given me in His timing.

The great thing about the definition of faith is that it invovles hope...and hope gives life.