“We live by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
Former slave trader, later redeemed servant of Jesus Christ, John Newton wrote of how grace begets faith:
“Unbelief is continually starting objections, magnifying and multiplying difficulties. But faith in the power and promises of God inspires a noble simplicity and casts every care upon Him, who is able and has engaged to support and provide. Thus when Abraham … forsook his country and his father’s house … he went out, not knowing where he went. It was enough that he knew whom he followed. The all-sufficient God was his guide, his shield, and his exceeding great reward. … So likewise, when he received the hard command to offer up his son, … he simply obeyed and depended upon the Lord to make good His own word.
“In this spirit David went forth to meet Goliath. … And thus the three [Hebrews] … rather chose to be cast into a burning furnace than to sin against the Lord. … How comforting is it to us … to trust the Lord in the path of duty, to believe that He will supply our needs, direct our steps, plead our cause, and control our enemies!”
“Unbelief is continually starting objections, magnifying and multiplying difficulties. But faith in the power and promises of God inspires a noble simplicity and casts every care upon Him, who is able and has engaged to support and provide. Thus when Abraham … forsook his country and his father’s house … he went out, not knowing where he went. It was enough that he knew whom he followed. The all-sufficient God was his guide, his shield, and his exceeding great reward. … So likewise, when he received the hard command to offer up his son, … he simply obeyed and depended upon the Lord to make good His own word.
“In this spirit David went forth to meet Goliath. … And thus the three [Hebrews] … rather chose to be cast into a burning furnace than to sin against the Lord. … How comforting is it to us … to trust the Lord in the path of duty, to believe that He will supply our needs, direct our steps, plead our cause, and control our enemies!”
Scripture Focus
Romans 1:14-17
Insight
“‘Poor tempest-tossed soul, be still,/ My promised grace receive.’/ ‘Tis Jesus speaks—I must, I will/ I can, I do believe.” (John Newton, 1725-1807)
Bible In A Year
- Isaiah 18-19
- Psalm 80
- John 21
