Believing Faith Is Not Always Immediate Understanding

Robert Schaetzle

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 ESV

In many instances of growing and learning I thought, “But I don’t understand how this could be!” 

There are situations when we might be obsessed in our stubborn unbelief over some matter, not knowing all the ins and outs about what makes something work, or why. 

A child will ask “why is the sky such a pretty blue” or, “why are these beautiful rolling hills so green?” 

The answer comes as we age and advance in our knowledge of science.

I recall from years past a friend at church would say, “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it!” 

A good example of this kind of believing faith is what God did through a lowly ‘cup bearer’ named Nehemiah to rebuild the gates and broken walls of Jerusalem.

 
For sure, Nehemiah sought God first through prayer as he lamented about the broken walls and disarray of Jerusalem. 

Believing faith reaches up to put its hand in God’s, allowing His preeminence and omniscient power to do its work. 

Even before asking permission from King Artaxerxes to rebuild the walls, God was equipping Nehemiah for what was ahead of him.

It is God’s resources that lead and teach us. 

God will never ask from us something He will not first equip us to do. 

The challenge for us is recognizing the benefit of waiting. 

God does not work by the Gregorian calendar or time according to our understanding.

Nehemiah had his thorns to deal with. 

Sanballat and Tobiah along with others opposed Nehemiah and his God. 

Yet the wall was finished in fifty-two days. 

For they (the Jews) perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of their God. 

He finished what He started.

Father, equip us to first wait upon the voice of your Spirit to lead us. 

Give us perseverance with the measure of faith you’ve given. AMEN.

Robert serves in a Sharing and Caring Ministry to strengthen and encourage God’s presence in us. Contact