WHO WINS YOUR FAITH, THE SEEN THINGS OF MAN, OR THE UNSEEN THINGS OF GOD?

SCRIPTURE:
Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 
(1 Corinthians 2:5)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever heard someone say that you are a smart, or wise person?
How did it make you feel?
Did it boost your ego, 
or make you feel that maybe you are a cut above others?
We can easily be swayed in the wrong direction by the flattery of men.
 
Sure the compliments from others can be encouraging, 
however we need to remember that every asset we have is a gift from God.
If we fail to recognize that fact, 
then our faith is not as strong as it should be.
Part of faith is acknowledging that everything comes from God and not man.

The word “mystery” is used several times in scripture. 
Some of the mysteries of the past have been probed and understood by science. 
But others, such as the mysteries of God, still bewilder mankind. 
A collection of all the wisdom of the ages is only a scratch on the surface 
of man’s search for the knowledge of the universe. 
For the most part, God retains His secrets, 
and man standing on his intellectual tiptoes 
can comprehend only a small fraction of the what the Lord is doing.

You would think that this inability to comprehend fully the mysteries of God 
would restrict the Christian faith. 
On the contrary, it should enhance our belief. 
We do not understand the intricate pattern of the stars in their courses, 
but we know that He who created them does.

Just as surely as He guides them, He is charting a safe course for us. 
In scripture, a “mystery” is a previously hidden truth that is later 
divinely revealed, but there is a supernatural element 
which remains unknown despite the revelation.
This supernatural element is why our faith in is the power of God.

ACTION:
Is your faith more in man and man-made objects you can see, 
or in the Lord and the things He provides that are unseen?
If your faith is restricted to the things you can see, 
then you do not have a saving faith.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, 
since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 
(2 Corinthians 4:18)
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, 
who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 
(Matthew 6:6)

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mysteries that I do not understand but 
that increase my faith. Your mysteries create a desire in me to get to know 
more about You and all that You have available for those who believe in You. 
My faith is small but, God, You have the power to increase my faith because 
You are my strength. Just as You have guided those who love You in the past, 
I know You are lovingly directing the lives of those who love You and have 
faith in You today.”