My parents met in Switzerland on a blind date. Six weeks later they got engaged, and my father returned to America. As a German refugee, my mother had lost everything. The thought of leaving her new life and starting over again was overwhelming, but she navigated the one-year immigration process and then traveled alone to the United States. She trusted the Lord, but this venture into the unknown also required faith in her fiancé, believing that he would keep his promises when she arrived.

As believers our confidence rests in our Bridegroom as well. You could say that faith is the Bride being sure of the One who loves her. We are so certain of his character that we believe all his promises. We are so certain of being loved and wanted that we can’t wait to be with him, no matter how challenging the journey.

You and I are traveling to the country of our Beloved. We are leaving behind this world; we have obtained a new citizenship. The seal of the Spirit guarantees our Bridegroom’s commitment—his promise “to love and to cherish” us forever. For the time being, we see only the faint reflection of his image, as in a treasured photograph, old and worn, but one day we shall see face to face (I Corinthians 13:12a).

On that glorious day, we will no longer need faith.

Prayer of Response:

Lord, thank you that out of your great love you’ve given the gift of faith, allowing us to see with our hearts, clearly and confidently.

Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” NRSV

Published with Lifesprings International, Tuesdays Together, 2/18/20.