Devotion: Faith
Please take a moment and read the scripture from this weekend: Hebrews 11:1-3
After reading the summary of our current worship series, “Right Ingredients”, I was excited to share recipes as a congregation and to hear stories from our pastors of their favorite, family recipes. I am always up for a new recipe! One of our favorite family recipes is BBQ Bacon Sloppyjoes. When my son was in high school he was rarely home for dinner. But if I was making BBQ Bacon Sloppyjoes, he would make a special effort to be there. He would slide into his spot at the table just as I was serving them up, and without fail ask, “Hey mom, do we have any extra cheese?” and then proceed to eat two of them!
What made that recipe tempting enough that a busy, 18-year-old boy would make dinner with the family a priority? Well, realistically there were benefits for him… he was getting something he loved for free and it satisfied him. (If you’ve ever tried to fill up a teenage boy you’ll understand what a feat that is!) I also think that the secret ingredient in that recipe was that it was a small comfort to him in the midst of his chaotic week. It had all his favorite flavors and he could count on it to be good!
The scripture that went along with this week’s worship in the series was from Hebrews 11. That verse was familiar to me because Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen”, was my oldest daughter’s confirmation verse. I remembered being so hopeful for her continued faith journey as she recited those words in front of the church. One of my wishes as a mom was for my children to grow up to be happy, independent and loved. But my greatest hope was that they would have a strong faith to trust that God loves them and sent his Son to die for them. Hebrews 11:1 defined what I wanted each of them to believe to their core… that faith is a source of strength… it is a reminder that God is with us… faith doesn’t require proof…. that faith is a “right ingredient” given to us by God.
Lord, we know you are our provider and comforter. As we go through our daily lives, we struggle to remember that you’ve got us. Build our faith, Lord. Be bold with your reminders of love. Awaken our senses. Help us experience all of the beauty you’ve created. Help us to find the right ingredients in living a life faithful to you. In the mighty, precious and saving name of Jesus. Amen.
Written by Julie Anderson
Julie Anderson is a member of Sheridan’s Devotion Writing Team. She works as Sheridan’s Children’s Music Coordinator where she is passionate about teaching children to use their musical gifts to praise God.
Julie is married to Scott and counts her greatest honor as being mom to Adrienne, Eliot and Elise.