by Jordy van Gaalen

Confidence in Our Savior

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“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:6-7 English Standard Version

While in the body, we are separated from the Lord. This is not how God intended it to be – God created us to be in relationship with Him. Therefore, while we are separated, we must walk this earthly path by faith. In great confidence and in great conviction, we hope that God will bring us home. But his hope is not with the connotation we often use meaning “wishful thinking.” Rather, it is full of assurance and certainty. Without hope (Biblical hope), we do not have faith. 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 New International Version 

We stand firm in knowing that God will bring our journey to completion.

I began thinking about specific attributes that demonstrate walking by faith.

Loving others, especially when it is most difficult, when we have to lean into the love that God has demonstrated to us individually. Remembering our source of strength and our song of joy comes from above. Glorifying God in all we do and pursuing a life that brings praise and honor to our Father. Leaning into grace and redemption.

As we walk by faith, it also means walking in obedience to where God is calling us. One of my favorite examples of this is when Abram was sent on a journey. A journey out of his comfort zone, far away from his home and his earthly possessions. He was sent without knowing where he was going or what would happen when he arrived. He wasn’t even given a reason as to why God was leading him away from his country, his people, and his family. But he followed, even when he couldn’t see the place he would end up in or the role he would then carry. (Genesis 12 reference)

No matter the external circumstances in our world, no matter what life throws at us, we know we have a hope that reaches far beyond this lifetime. We have a clear cut purpose (love God and love others) even when this earth is full of chaos and confusion. God is present and God is at work, even when we don’t see an immediate outcome or resolution. We know that our Redeemer lives. We know that we can be courageous, even when we cannot see the Lord fully – as we will one day.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado