Absolute Trust Through An Attitude of Faith
...Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience... Hebrews 12:1
To casually glance at this photo, one sees a lovely young mother with her delightfully precious daughter. But wait, linger just for a moment and notice the "look" between these two people:
	Absolute, wide-eyed trust, as if child was saying to Mother, "I know you. I have complete confidence in you." And please understand, it's not the "look" that causes the trust or faith. The "look" is the substance (evidence) of that "attitude of faith" (absolute trust) that has already been firmly established. Child to Mother: "I know I am safe with you." Mother to child: "I am here for you." Absolute trust: an attitude of faith. Faith is defined as "trust or reliance". Trust is defined as "confidence, reliance, implicit (without question) faith".
Absolute trust is very empowering. It gives a child the courage and confidence to set about learning new things. It is powerful because it gives a child the power to overcome the frustration of failure until they gain success. Oh, the enabling power of absolute trust ! And it comes about through faithfulness--as that "attitude of faith" is gained, maintained, and built upon.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to have that "attitude of faith"--absolute trust in Him. Remember, it's not the ability of sight that causes such trust--therefore it's not a matter of "seeing Him"--it's a matter of Him having proved Himself to us time and time again. And if we do not have an "attitude of faith", we will never have absolute trust in Him. The disciples found out about that "attitude of faith" late one night: Jesus had sent them on ahead--He wanted to be alone to pray (if it was necessary for Him, 'tis even more essential for all of us). As the disciples crossed the lake, a wind arose--the ship and its passengers were tossed to and fro upon the waves. Suddenly, they saw someone walking ON the sea ! They cried out in fear! But straightway Jesus spake unto them saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Matthew 14:27 As a mother comforts that child who has awakened from a troubled sleep with, "It's OK, I'm here now," so Jesus reassures those He loves: "It is I; be not afraid." And because it is of a voice we know and have confidence in, oh, what sweet reassurance as that "attitude of faith", absolute trust, can kick into high gear and set our world aright again!
You know, perhaps it wasn't so much that Peter didn't believe it was Jesus out there walking on the water; it could very well have been simply, "Hey, I'd like to do that, too!" Whichever it was, when Peter asked to also walk on the water, Jesus simply said, "Come." Now notice this: But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Matthew 14:30. It does not say he took his eyes off Jesus. It was not the "look" that was allowing him to do the walking on the water--it was his "attitude of faith"--he believed he could do it and at first, he did. But he began to sink, to go under, when he allowed what he realized was going on around him to dictate his level of faith! That is, when he allowed what he perceived to overcome what he believed! Thus the danger to one's spiritual experience when we insist on walking by sight, instead of by faith: For we walk by faith, not by sight. II Corinthians 5:7.
We always want to poke at poor ole' faint-of-heart Peter, but we can't get on his case too strongly--humans ARE "sight creatures". Seeing IS Believing, so the world says. (Remember Thomas?) And aren't we, even today, forever looking for a sign? However, this is in direct opposition to that which the Word of God instructs us to do. We keep looking for or at the "created" instead of seeking the Creator! It takes an "attitude of faith" to believe that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God. It takes an "attitude of faith" to accept the Salvation that is offered for the forgiveness of our sins. It takes an "attitude of faith" to believe that the Bible is the Word of God. So if we truly have an "attitude of faith", we can develop absolute trust by believing For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God... II Corinthians 1:20.
Absolute Trust in Our Heavenly Father is attainable through an "attitude of faith". And that "attitude of faith" comes through our standing on the promises of God, even to declaring them when we pray. Not that God has grown forgetful, but our declaration of them will strengthen our "attitude of faith", because without an "attitude of faith", we will never attain Absolute Trust in God!
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1,2. ...It is Christ that...is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:34-39. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:6,7. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:1,14. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Psalm 91:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:1-6.
(all emphasis on scriptures such as bold, underline or uppercase, is mine) "Absolute Trust Through An Attitude Of Faith" Copyright © 2000 by Patricia Sikes. All Rights Reserved
Only Trust Him
If you have been blessed, give God the Glory! Please sign our guestbook; let us know you enjoyed "Absolute Trust Through An Attitude Of Faith". Thank you so much for visiting He Is Able!
With the exception of the King James Bible, ALL material on He Is Able is protected by copyright.