January 19, 2022
Friends,
Thank you for praying each Wednesday for our prodigals and for revival.
In his book, The Case For Faith, Lee Strobel says, “Faith is about a choice, a step of the will, a decision to want to know God personally. It’s saying, ‘I believe — please help my unbelief.’”
I like that, “A step of the will.”
This is exactly how it was for Moses. “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26).
Moses let go of something visible, tangible, and enjoyable for something better. This first step of the will for Moses involved disassociating himself with an evil regime. He refused to be linked with Pharaoh’s family. He saw the unwarranted affliction of God’s people. He witnessed the cruelty and injustice of Pharaoh’s plan, and he didn’t want to be allied with that.
His negative choice led to a positive one. He not only refused evil, but he accepted good. He not only turned away from the luxuries of Pharaoh’s house and the passing delights of sin, but he embraced the people of God. This step of the will led him on a path of suffering, mistreatment, and heartache, but it was worth it.
Moses linked himself with God, which involved afflicting himself with God’s people. This was synonymous with choosing Christ and the subsequent reproaches.
Siding with Christ as opposed to Egypt was a value choice that was based on reality. The choices of forsaking Pharaoh’s family, of refusing Egypts treasure, of associating with God’s people, and of taking Christ, was a reckoning done by faith, faith that was rooted in the Word of God!
What do you think his parents poured into his little life prior to his being swept off to the palace? No doubt they infused the truth of God into his young mind and reminded him of the great promises of God for His people.
These steps of the will, or faith choices, are always based on inward values from God’s Word. Time has not changed this reality.
For us today it is no different. Our choices are based on what we believe. As Lee Strobel said, “Faith is a choice, a step of the will,” and each of us have the opportunity to do this on a daily basis.
The way we interact with our family members, our commitment to our local church, our love for Jesus, what we choose to think about, and a host of other choices are all behavioral actions that are founded on our value of truth.
The Epoch Times had a quote from Alfred A. Montapert. He rightly said, “Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.” Whether the choices are good or evil, consequences will result. This is a given. The apostle Paul reminds us: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7-8).
Moses chose to live by faith. His step of the will enabled him to look beyond present, temporary gain to an exceedingly great, eternal reward!
Even when our choice to live by faith doesn't seem reasonable from a natural human perspective, it always results in future glory. Never forget that each step of the will made in faith will be rewarded by God!
Love in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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