Faith

The virgin birth, however hard to explain, is something we need to know. Every aspect of our faith and hope for eternal life hinges on this truth. If Jesus were simply a product of a man and a woman, His life and death mean nothing more than yours or mine.

Many times when God calls us to do great things, He gives us proof that He is at work. In the Old Testament, He proved Himself to Moses, Joshua, and Gideon. In the New Testament, He proved Himself to the disciples and Paul on the road to Damascus.

Jesus blesses the faithful. In the words of the writer to the Hebrews, Jesus commends those who are sure of what they hope for and certain of what they don’t see. Some of these faithful were men and women who lived before Jesus. People like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Rahab. They lived by faith even though the Gift had not been unwrapped.

Prayer is a personal conversation with God. It is not a laundry list of commands or must-haves. In the conversation with my heavenly Father, I can and should express my personal desires just like Jesus did. And, just like Jesus did, I should hand over my desires to the perfect will of God. That’s not a lack of faith. It’s called humble obedience.