(Repost from The Last Reformation–Something to think on…
“NOT WHAT YOU BY FAITH RECEIVED – BUT WHAT YOU BY FAITH NEEDED TO LEAVE BEHIND
In the church today, we often hear testimonies of how people by faith have received something from God. But, how often do we hear how people by faith have left something behind?
Let’s start by reading a verse in Hebrews chapter 11, and then I will explain:
By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. (Hebrews 11:27)
Here we read about Moses, and how he by faith left Egypt and everything that belonged to Egypt. And in his case, that was everything this world could offer, of riches, fame, women, and power. Yes, as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses could get everything this world had to offer, but instead, he left it all behind by faith.
My question to you is what have you left by faith? What has your faith COST you? NOT what have you received by faith, or how has your faith blessed you.
I believe this is also a part of faith. By faith, we truly can receive from God and be blessed. But, that’s not what I’m talking about today, because I believe all those who are truly living by faith will need to pay a high price.
Moses left all this world had to offer by faith. What have you left by faith? What has your faith cost you?
Has it cost you your job, because you got fired for telling about Jesus or because you would not lie when your boss told you to?
Have you lost a boyfriend or girlfriend because you would not sleep with him/her?
Have you lost your family because they now think you’re crazy and in a cult?
Have you lost your friends because you don’t want to drink and listen to the same music as them?
Have you lost your reputation because people are lying and saying bad things about you because of your life with Jesus? Is your holy way of living giving them a guilty conscience and therefore they hate you for it, and are doing everything they can to put you in a bad light?
What has your faith cost you?
If the answer is ‘none of the things above’, then ask yourself if you truly are living in faith.
A true biblical faith is NOT free. It WILL cost you.
Read more in Hebrews chapter 11, what true faith is, and what it cost those men and women we read about there. Yes, it cost all of them. Faith is NOT free, and it is NOT cheap.
Let’s not be afraid to believe in Jesus and walk by faith!…..”
