Bubbly Faith

It's hard to believe that so many bubbles could come out of a smooth liquid.

Hebrews 11:1-16

Reference:  v.1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Whenever I am doing the washing up I always put way too much dishwashing detergent in the water.  As the water starts to fill up the basin I'll pour some of the detergent into the mix.  As the detergent comes out smoothly I think that it will never make very many bubbles.  But before I know it the sink is full to overflowing with bubbles and I only have a few centimetres of water to wash the dishes in.  It's hard to believe that so many bubbles could come out of a smooth liquid.  I clearly don't have faith in my dishwashing detergent.  If I was certain of what I could not see then I would believe that it was greater than just the smooth liquid in the container.  It's not until I see the bubbly result for myself that I realise my lack of faith.

Application:  Often people struggle in their faith of God until they see an actual result.  Just like I have to wait to see all the bubbles in the sink to realise how well the detergent works, people wait until they see evidence of God before they believe.  The most common phrase I hear from people who are struggling with their faith is, "I just need a sign."  We all want to see, in some kind of tangible way, where God is and how He is moving.  And yet, that isn't really faith.  If we have to see it to believe it then we don't have the faith in the beginning.  The first verse of Hebrews chapter 11 sums it up beautifully: 'Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.'  We don't know everything about God – we never will – but we express our faith by believing before we see and hoping before we have hard evidence.

Prayer:  Lord, forgive us for our lack of faith.  May we lay all our hopes in You, Oh Lord.  Amen.

How strong is your faith holding up right now?

Hebrews