Faith Sustained

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Faith is a profound and sustaining force in the life of a believer, intricately woven throughout the tapestry of Scripture. In Matthew 17:5-9, we witness a pivotal moment on the Mount of Transfiguration, where the voice of God affirms Jesus as His beloved Son, urging the disciples to listen to Him. This divine endorsement not only strengthens the disciples' faith but also illustrates the importance of recognizing Christ's authority in our lives. As believers, we are called to walk by faith, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:7, trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem daunting. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, reminding us that our faith is rooted in the unseen realities of God's kingdom. Furthermore, in Romans 10:17, we learn that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ, emphasizing the necessity of engaging with Scripture to sustain our faith. In times of trial, as expressed in James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to consider it pure joy when we face challenges, knowing that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Thus, faith sustained is a dynamic journey, grounded in God's Word and empowered by His Spirit, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him.

Matthew 17:5-9. the Voice of God on the Mount.

favell-lee-mortimer

Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the contrasting ways God spoke to Israel at Mount Sinai and the three favored apostles at Mount Tabor, emphasizing God's delight in His Son and the inability of sinful man to bear the full manifestation of God's glory. The apostles, overwhelmed by the heavenly vision,

Matthew 17:5

“While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!””

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2 Corinthians 5:7

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

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Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.”

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Romans 10:17

“Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

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James 1:2

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,”

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2 Corinthians 5:7

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

1 Peter 1:6

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,”

James 1:12

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

Hebrews 11:7

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. This is why the ancients were commended. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones. By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.”