The Enduring Faith, Part 5 – Hebrews 11:13-14

Living by faith is always in the present tense- the faith you practice now will determine the faith you will have at the end of your life. None of us can control our circumstances, but we can control how we react and respond to them. To cultivate a practice of responding to all things by faith, let us consider the importance of the Christian mind.

Our minds control how we perceive and respond to circumstances. Unless we practice heavenly mindfulness, our response to circumstances will always be based on emotions- fear, anxiety, anger, etc. Faith is a reasoning trust. It is an expression of what is in the mind. Christians have been enlightened with God’s truth by the Holy Spirit- we are now able to see everything through the lens of Jesus Christ. (1Cor 2:14-16; Eph 4:17-18) If we don’t control our thoughts according to Scripture, we will be controlled by our emotions and circumstances.

How can we build up our minds in Christ? The measure of every Christian’s faith is determined by how much he meditates on God’s Word. Those who continually keep their minds in the Word have their love and affections set on heaven, where Christ is. (Col 3:1-2) Meditation allows you to regain control of your mind, by sanctifying your thinking and bringing it into submission to Christ. Meditation takes every thought captive to Christ, as you surrender your mind and yourself to the will of God. (Acts 4:19-20)

As we take control of our thoughts, we will naturally pursue what our minds are fixed on. The Old Testaments saints who had enduring faith sought a country of their own- heaven. They were in a passionate pursuit of heaven because their minds were set on the things above, not on the things of the earth. Faith that comes through meditation on Scripture will make you passionate for the things of God. (Phil 3:7, 9-11)Jesus desires us to live with a passion and love for Him- being lukewarm in faith is a condemnable sin. (Lk 9:62; Rev 3:15-16) Passion drives a Christian to labor for the Lord- without this faith and love, no works will be acceptable to God. (Rev 2:4-5)

Enduring faith comes through a renewed mind and a heavenly pursuit filled with passion. It begins with meditation, and will result in a zeal for the Lord and His kingdom.