WHAT IS TRUE FAITH?

Not even giants of faith get exactly what they want. (Heb11:39)

What is faith? And how can you be sure you’ve got it? Some Christians think of faith as an almost magical force; If you muster up enough of it, you will get rich, stay healthy and live a contended life, they say. Yet how does one “muster up” faith? What are signs of true faith?

Not what you’d expect. But the picture of faith emerging from these chapters contains some surprise. The author uses words and phrases like “persevere, endure, don’t lose heart.” In many instances, the heroes cited did not receive the promise they hoped for; some ended up flogged and destitute, hiding out in goatskins (11:36-38). Many died – horrible deaths.

Faith, concludes the author, most resembles a difficult race. The runner has his eyes on winner’s prize, and despite nagging temptations to slacken the pace, he refuses to let up until he crosses the finish line. “Throw off everything that hinders,” Hebrews coaches (12:1). “Strengthen your feeble arms and week knees” (12:12).

Is it worth the struggle? Why do people punish their bodies to run a grueling marathon race? Most runners name two reasons; the sense of personal reward they get and the physical benefits of the exercise. The same 2 rewards apply in the spiritual realm. Great prizes await those who persevere and the very process of living by faith builds strong character. In this race, no one loses, If you finish, you get the reward.

Here, as elsewhere, Hebrews holds up jesus, who endured great suffering for our sakes (12:2-3) as the ultimate example . The faith described in Hebrews is not sugar coated; God does not guarantee a life of luxury and ease. It is tough faith; a constant commitment to hang on and believe God against all odds, no matter What.

THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS

I am sure, We must have had this moral lesson in School…

There was a man who was a tailor by profession. He had a wife and three children. He was never happy. He felt that wife constantly nagged him and his children created a noise and turmoil in the house. He consulted a wise sage for a solution for his problem. The sage suggested that he sends his wife and kids away for a few days. The man took the suggestion, but life was very dull for him and he goes back to the sage for help. The Sage then tells him the secret of Happiness, “Be content with what you have and you will always be happy”.

It is so true that we need to be content with what we have. It is when we compare ourselves with others that our needs seem to escalate. In the struggle to be happy, we sometimes forget the essence of happiness. The world is running after money, fame, pleasure……… thinking that these will bring happiness. But the end of all this, sometimes is pain and sorrow. In our pursuit to find real happiness there is every possibility of pleasure meeting us in the garb of happiness and enticing us towards it. We need to be watchful, lest we are caught in a maze!!

All said, humanly we may not be able to know the secret of happiness, until we know the source of happiness. Like the deer which runs to the streams to quench its longing thirst, we must run to the Living God who is the source of all joy. The Bible says that Jesus came to give us life and life in all its fullness.

Why not try Jesus and get the happiness that will last forever!!!

ONE PARAGRAPH THAT EXPLAINS LIFE !

Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player, was dying of Cancer. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed "Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease?"

To this Arthur Ashe replied "The world over -- 5 crore children start playing tennis, 50 lakh learn to play tennis, 5 lakh learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach national, 50 reach the grand slam Wimbledon, 4 to the semifinals, 2 to the finals.

When I was holding a cup, I never asked GOD "Why me?" And today in pain I should not be asking GOD "Why me?"

Happiness keeps u sweet....Trials keep u strong....Sorrow keeps u human....Failure keeps u humble....Success keeps u glowing....But
only God keeps u going!!!!