Faith Vs FateSample

Four Stages In Progressive Faith

Moses' story is always one of amazement. His parent's faith is what preserved his life so that he would one day become the deliverer of the people of Israel. I wonder what would have happened if Moses' mother accepted the fate presented to her. I am sure God could have raised up another person, but before the foundation of the earth God had written the plan for Moses' life, and He would look for partners of faith to bring His plan to fruition. I am sure glad Moses' parents didn't sit on the bank of the river Nile and said, "Whatever will be, will be."

Today, as we come to a close, I want us to examine the scriptures in Hebrews 11 about Moses. Pay attention to the words used in the Amplified Bible as the author describes Moses' journey.

1. Aroused Faith

When our faith is aroused we can:

Conquer the things of the world and refuse to be called a son of bondage - (Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter).

We can take up the greater cause for Christ, and His church. Even if it means being cut off from being popular according to the world standards – (Moses preferred to share in the oppression of his own people).

We can weigh our choices and make Godly decisions – (Moses gave up the riches and comfort in bondage to have freedom with God).

[Aroused] by faith Moses, who had grown to maturity and become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life.

He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense). Hebrews 11:24-26 (AMPC)

2. Motivated Faith

When our faith is motivated we can:

Conquer fears of the present situations and circumstances and look to the One who promises – (Moses left Egypt).

[Motivated] by faith he left Egypt behind him, being unawed and undismayed by the wrath of the king; for he never flinched but held staunchly to his purpose and endured steadfastly as one who gazed on him Who is invisible. Hebrews (11:27 AMPC)

3. Simple Faith

When we operate in simple faith we can:

Depend on God as your only source of life, needs, protection, health, wholeness, and wealth - (Moses instituted the Passover).

By faith (simple trust and confidence in God) he instituted and carried out the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [on the doorposts] so that the destroyer of the firstborn (the angel) might not touch those [of the children of Israel]. Hebrews 11:28 (AMPC)

4. Urged On Faith

When urged on by faith we can:

Set the stage for miracles - (with God's help Moses parted the Red Sea).

Release everything into God's hands – (Moses had total faith as he led the people of Israel in the dry path of the sea).

See the enemy defeated by the very same thing that was your deliverance – Moses saw the Egyptian army drown in the Red Sea).

[Urged on] by faith the people crossed the Red Sea as [though] on dry land, but when the Egyptians tried to do the same thing they were swallowed up [by the sea]. Hebrews 11:29 (AMPC)

So you see my friends, faith is progressive, but with every level, while there may be more difficult obstacles to overcome, it becomes easier to trust God. He is greater than our troubles. Faith catches God's attention because faith screams, "I can't do this Lord, but I know you can!" Without fail, God will show up at every juncture of faith. I pray that you will live your life by faith and not fate.

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading." ~ Oswald Chambers