For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Roman 12:3)

We all will agree that the things of God are received by faith. We know that salvation comes by faith through grace and not of ourselves. But, have we really grasped the thought that all things of God are by faith? In verse three it says that we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but it goes on to say that we should think soberly as God has given us a measure of faith. This deals with not looking at ourselves, but looking to God, the Author and Finisher of our faith. God’s direction in our life, His will and His provisions are achieved by faith – we are not to rely upon our flesh. We are to rely upon God’s faithfulness. So our confidence is not in us, but in God.

Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The substance is not natural or fleshly, rather it is Godly. It is God’s substance. The evidence is not man’s, instead it is the evidence of what God has already done and will do. When looking to the heroes of our faith found in Hebrews 11, it is interesting to note that 19 times the sentences start out, “By faith.” It is never recorded that these heroes obtained a good report by the flesh; only by faith. In verses 35-38 the Bible records an untold number of people who went through tragedies and difficult times of life. Verse 39 records that, “all of these having obtained a good testimony through faith.”

We go through testing and trials to mold us and make us into His image, but every step of the way must be by faith in God, not in ourselves. We can miss God by trying to accomplish His will through our wisdom and our abilities. Our life must be a total surrender to Him and by faith in Him we will be able to achieve our destiny and our purpose on earth.

We see brothers and sisters in Christ within the ministry who seem to be burned out. This comes at a time when we are trying to carry the burden ourselves and our lamps are not full of oil. I believe that God would remind us to follow Him, cast our burdens on Him for He cares for us. Then we can have His peace and His substance for life and direction. Have you laid hold to the things of God by faith?

Christian Motorcyclists Association, P.O. Box 9, 4278 HWY 71 South, Hatfield, AR 71945, (870) 389-6196, www.cmausa.org, shop.cmausa.org