As I was doing some devotional reading yesterday, I was struck by these words from the Apostle Peter: Though you have not seen Him (the Lord), you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9.
How is it that Peter can write with such confidence? How is it that he can be so sure that his readers are filled with such a trusting faith in Jesus?
The explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed in Luther's Small Catechism remind us that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.
The Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts and gives us the saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior. With this faith we can trust Jesus for forgiveness and salvation, rejoice in our new life of faith and find comfort in our Lord in all the seasons of our lives. With the help of the Spirit, we believe in our Savior even though we do not see Him!
The psalmist Asaph speaks to this same kind of faith. In Psalm 77, Asaph complains about the difficulties of life. He has suffered so much and, without any relief, is beginning to wonder if God has forgotten about him.
But then Asaph begins to meditate on God's Word. He remembers God's mighty deeds. He recalls God's gracious help and deliverance when the people were freed from bondage. He writes in 77:19 - Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen.
Faith enables us to know that God is with us even when our eyes can't see Him. His Word assures us that God will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). This week offer thanks to the Holy Spirit who empowers you to know and trust Almighty God even when you can't see Him. God is with you!
