The Work Of Faith

And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him. (Genesis 7:5-KJV)


I – THE WORK OF FAITH IS TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD

1 Corinthians 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them [is] without signification.(KJV). The work of faith is to catch God’s voice amid all the other voices from earth and hell.


II – THE WORK OF FAITH IS TO OBEY THE VOICE OF GOD

Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and [there was] not a man to till the ground.(KJV). The work of faith is to obey the voice of God however contrary to human reason it may seem to be.

The work of faith is to accept and to act upon the revelation which God has made, however contrary to human reason it may appear to be.
We are foolish to try to fit God into our mold – to make His plans and purposes conform to ours. Instead we must strive to fit into His plans.


III – THE WORK OF FAITH IS TO DO THE WILL OF GOD

Genesis 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.(KJV
The work of faith is to do the will of God even though you appear to be the only one doing it.
Are you the only Christian in your home, in your office, in your hospital ward, in your neighborhood? Remember, God’s people have always been in the minority.
Go on living and working for the Lord even though you are the only one in your sphere who is doing so.


IV – THE WORK OF FAITH IS TO GO ON WITH GOD’S WORK

Genesis 7:5 And Noah did according unto all that the LORD commanded him.(KJV)
The work of faith is to go on with God’s work in the face of every opposition and discouragement.
What a cruel taunts he would have borne from the godless crowd around him! “Surely you are mad” they would say.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;(KJV)
All our risks, humiliations and time are opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s power and presence in us. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.(KJV) It is discouraging to continue to do right and receive no word of thanks or see no tangible results.

Rev. Samuel Morrison who after 25 years in Africa, was returning home to the U.S. to die. He travelled on the same ocean liner that brought President Teddy Roosevelt back from hunting expedition.

When the great ship pulled into New York Harbor, the dock where it was tie up was jammed with what looked like the entire population of New York City. Bands were playing, banners were waving, choirs of children were singing, multicoloured balloons were popping, and cameras were poised to record the return of the president.

Pres. Roosevelt stepped down the gang plank to themselves cheers and applause. At the same time, Rev. Morrison quietly walked off the boat. No one was there to greet him. He slipped alone through the crowd.

Inside his heart, he began to complain; “Lord, the president had been in Africa – for 3 weeks, killing animals, and the whole world turns out to welcome him home.”I’ve given 25 years for my life in Africa, serving you, and no one has greeted me or even knows I’m here.

In the quietness of his heart, a gentle, loving voice whispered, “But my dear child, YOU ARE NOT HOME YET!”

As we face great troubles, it is easy to focus on the pain rather than our ultimate goal. Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort, we too must focus on the reward for our faith and the joy that lasts forever.