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 the apostle Paul can write with such confidence? How is it that he can be so sure that his readers are filled with a trusting faith in Christ Jesus?
The explanation to the Third Article of Luther's Catechism reminds 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 my with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the one true faith.
The Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts and gives us the saving knowledge of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. With this gift of faith, we can trust Jesus for forgiveness and salvation, rejoice in our new life of faith and find comfort in our Lord through all the seasons of our lives. With the help of the Spirit, we believe in our Lord and Savior even though we don't 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 he 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 (Heb. 12:5). This week offer thanks to the Holy Spirit who empowers you to know and trust that Almighty God is with you even when you can't see Him!
