Joshua 6:24-25
"Then they burned the whole city and everything in it, but they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the Lord's house. But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho-and she lives among the Israelites to this day."
Isn't it easy to read about the faith story of others? It seems so straight forward when we read the story of Rahab, but if we think about it, Rahab needed to make a difficult decision when the two spies went into her house. Should she hide them and take the risk of being put to death if the people of Jericho found out, or should she hand them over to the people of Jericho but losing the opportunity to be saved? Of course, there was no guarantee the future of her family even if she hid the spies. I believe that her heart was filled with struggles.
As a matter of fact, every act of faith requires risk taking. Many want to follow step by step, to walk only when things are clear, but Bible defines faith as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". This doesn't mean that we should be blindfolded, but this does mean that we should hold tight to the word of God and match forward courageously. First, the faith is built upon the word of God. Just like when you drive from San Jose to Los Angeles, you don't see Los Angeles from Freeway 5, but map would tell you that stay with Freeway 5 and you will eventually arrive. So as long as you stick with Freeway 5 you will eventually arrive at Los Angeles, even when there are times where visibility are low. Likewise, Bible is your map in our spiritual journey, for the promise of God is powerful and none will fail.
Secondly, we need to walk courageously once we understand the Word of God. In the movie "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark", there was a story about a holy grail. Indiana Jones went in a cave and saw that there was no road ahead, but he still moved courageously since the map indicated that there is a road ahead. As he stepped into the air, a bridge that came out of nowhere hold his feet, and he walked passed. That step is a step of faith. It is neither blindfold nor good luck, it is by faith. A real faith demands that step of faith. From the angle of human, it is risk taking, but which valuables are acquired without taking some risks? Is the Word of God not worthy of us investing our lives in it? May the Lord grant us a faith like Rahab!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Dear Lord, I thank you, for You are the author and finisher of our faith. I pray for those that are struggling on their journey of faith. May You grant them a courageous hearts to be able to trust in You and choose to walk in Your way in their current circumstances. And You will lead them into victory after victory. I thank you and I pray all these in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!
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