A Firm Faith

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.” (Isaiah 7:9b)

            Ahaz, king of Judah – not exactly a bastion of faith.  He had some basic aspects of faith.  It seems that he believed in the Lord, at least to some degree.  He had a level of respect for the Lord.  But, trust the Lord with your life when it’s on the line?  No, he wasn’t there.  Circumstances were about to shake him up.

            The testing of Ahaz arrived unceremoniously with an invasion from the north.  The Israelites from the northern kingdom teamed up with the Arameans (Syrians) to attack Judah and Jerusalem.  They had a stranglehold on Jerusalem.  So, God sent Isaiah with a message that the attacks would not achieve the goal, but the real test that faced Ahaz was whether, in the face of these ferocious threats, he would trust God.  The test was whether or not he would stand firm in faith.

            For us the challenge is the same.  We may not be a king whose capitol is surrounded by an invading army, but we do sometimes face personal or family challenges when the real and fundamental challenge is whether or not we will stand firm in our faith.  The writer of Hebrews says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6)  And note again the verse above, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all.” 

            We need to be perceptive enough to realize what the real challenge is.  Then, we need to rise to the occasion and stand firm in our faith.  God will enable us to do this when we decide that we are going to trust Him no matter what happens.

Lord, As we move through this day, may we face each challenge by standing firm in our faith, but trusting You.  Amen.