21 Days in 2024
THINGS UNSEEN
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
Faith is the evidence of things unseen. It is the substance for our hopes and dreams in the same way an airline ticket gives us assurance that we will arrive at a future destination. Faith is actually the evidence of things invisible to our eyes. By faith we lay hold of the unseen things of heaven and draw them into the physical realm where we live.
One of the most important disciplines a Christian can develop is to learn how to operate in the unseen realm while living in this one. Participating in two realms at the same time is only possible through faith.
A spiritual reality is something that is true beyond the parameters of the physical world we live in. The heavenly realm overlaps the earthly realm (Job 1:6-2:13; Job 42:1-6). Wherever the two realms overlap the spiritual will always supercede the physical (Heb. 9:23-28). The things we consider solid and real are mere shadows of the heavenly realm. Our faith allows us to participate in Christ’s invisible Kingdom in a way that advances His purposes on earth (Matthew 6:9-10).
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7).
The reality for Believers is that we are seated with Christ in Heaven at the same time we are living our life here. Like, Job, things that happen to us are often initiated from the world we cannot see - the heavenlies. Our faith elevates us to a place of authority in that realm (Seated with Christ). The scope of our influence through faith and prayer has been upgraded from being subject to this world to being seeated with Christ, sharing His authority in both realms.
One of our greatest challenges is learning to trust in the elevated position we hold in Christ. It is easier to trust what we see with our eyes. Problems and hardship seem all too real. But we must always remember it is what we cannot see with our eyes that holds the greater substance. We protect our own hearts from discouragement and fear when we lead into every situation with the faith and confidence of one who is positioned in heaven with Christ.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
The distractions this world exposes us to appear in many forms; temptations, problems, disaster, entertainment or apathy. All these things are designed to shift the focus of our mind and attention from the reality of Heaven. The battle we face is to keep our mind fixed always on the greater reality. This steadfast outlook allows us to continually access the resources of Heaven. It allows us to participate in the great work of extending His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).
Faith is the evidence of things unseen. It is the substance for our hopes and dreams in the same way an airline ticket gives us assurance that we will arrive at a future destination. Faith is actually the evidence of things invisible to our eyes. By faith we lay hold of the unseen things of heaven and draw them into the physical realm where we live.
One of the most important disciplines a Christian can develop is to learn how to operate in the unseen realm while living in this one. Participating in two realms at the same time is only possible through faith.
A spiritual reality is something that is true beyond the parameters of the physical world we live in. The heavenly realm overlaps the earthly realm (Job 1:6-2:13; Job 42:1-6). Wherever the two realms overlap the spiritual will always supercede the physical (Heb. 9:23-28). The things we consider solid and real are mere shadows of the heavenly realm. Our faith allows us to participate in Christ’s invisible Kingdom in a way that advances His purposes on earth (Matthew 6:9-10).
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7).
The reality for Believers is that we are seated with Christ in Heaven at the same time we are living our life here. Like, Job, things that happen to us are often initiated from the world we cannot see - the heavenlies. Our faith elevates us to a place of authority in that realm (Seated with Christ). The scope of our influence through faith and prayer has been upgraded from being subject to this world to being seeated with Christ, sharing His authority in both realms.
One of our greatest challenges is learning to trust in the elevated position we hold in Christ. It is easier to trust what we see with our eyes. Problems and hardship seem all too real. But we must always remember it is what we cannot see with our eyes that holds the greater substance. We protect our own hearts from discouragement and fear when we lead into every situation with the faith and confidence of one who is positioned in heaven with Christ.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
The distractions this world exposes us to appear in many forms; temptations, problems, disaster, entertainment or apathy. All these things are designed to shift the focus of our mind and attention from the reality of Heaven. The battle we face is to keep our mind fixed always on the greater reality. This steadfast outlook allows us to continually access the resources of Heaven. It allows us to participate in the great work of extending His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).
Posted in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting