Faith for the Family

“By faith Isaac invoked future blessing on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones” (Hebrews 11:20-23). Moving faith from theory to reality is an essential, yet tough, assignment. It’s so much easier to talk it than walk it! If we decide to implement faith, it’s not long before it begins to impact the roots of our existence: our homes. Note three realms of faith. First, there is faith for living and dying. We fight faith constantly. By nature, we resist trusting God. We would rather walk by sight, since that’s a lot more predictable. The problem is that walking by sight doesn’t please God. Faith is to be an everyday companion, not a weekend guest (II Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:7). The best place to exercise faith is in the home with the family. Second, the faith found in four homes (11:20-23). These verses give us four keyholes through which we can watch faith in progress. As we observe these examples, we need to pay attention to how the lines of faith were kept strong. The example found in Isaac’s faith (v.20). Isaac was dependent on the faith relationship that had been modeled for him by his father, Abraham, how he continued and preserved it in his relationship with his own sons, Jacob and Esau. The faith found in Jacob’s (v.21). This faith relationship here is grandfather to grandson. The example illustrated in Joseph’s faith (v.22). This faith relationship is from a brother to brothers. Moses’ parents’ faith (v.23). Also note (Exodus 2:10; 3:10). Third, faith exercised where we live. Since faith was never meant to remain a theoretical study, and since it is best learned within the home in conjunction with family relationships, there are two things we can do: Think of our homes as training bases, not holding tanks. Develop in our homes a contagious confidence in God, not a demoralizing determination to endure. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.