We did what was right. I have no regrets for that.”
–Dave P. Fisher (Where No Man Rules)
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
–Micah 6:8 (NLT)
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How much faith do you have? Has it really ever been tested? I know many people speak of faith and most of the time it is that high-faluting, blab it and grab it faith, but will that get you through the test of time? Much of faith is enduring, not just waltzing through life. Faith is what takes you through the valleys and across the ravines and into the camp of the enemy. Faith is when the enemy attacks and there is a fierce fire-fight, and when the smoke clears you are still standing. Faith gives us the victory.
“Encamped along the hills of light,
Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
And press the battle ere the night
Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below
Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know,
That overcomes the world.”
–John H. Yates
Read Hebrews 11, the “faith chapter.” It speaks of glorious victories, but also of those who faced the onslaught of the enemy and died. Did they not have faith? Perhaps their faith was greater, because even in death they fought on, never failing, knowing that even in death they would be with their Savior. In fact, when you lay there, and death is waiting, all there is, is faith. Yet today, we want to cheapen those who have gone all before. Despite faults, there were men of faith. They had their own types of battles to fight, so never mock the fallen soldier.
“His banner over us is love,
Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above
With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
Swept on o’er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death
Is still our shining shield.”
I see soldiers, officers of the law, firefighters; why do they go out each day in the midst of an evil, wicked world? They know that on any given day, their life may be taken from them. Yet despite that threat they have the faith to go out, face the world, and do their duty. The forces of evil are to be found lurking on every corner. They are armed, ready to attack and destroy, therefore, we must get out of our tents, that comfortable spot, and face the wickedness of this world. It comes in many forms and God has given different battles and tasks to different individuals. Don’t falter in what he has given you–in your faith comes the victory.
“On every hand the foe we find
Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind,
And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
And echo with our shout.”
Be sure you have studied and trained properly. Make sure you know how to use the weapons that the Lord has given you to face the darkness of this world. Disaster will not overcome you and in that day you will stand before Him that overcame death, hell, and the grave. One day your battles will be over and you will stand with Christ, the great over-comer on the hills of glory. Never falter, never yield, never quit. As long as there is breath face the enemy and smile, for the victory is in your faith.
“To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n;
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in heav’n.
Then onward from the hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory,
That overcomes the world.”
We are saved by grace, but ah, it is through faith. We must believe–that is the first key to victory.