Day 16 - Faith rooted in God’s Eternal word

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As

the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts

than your thoughts. 1 ”

As Christians, it’s natural to experience periods of doubt. Our human thoughts and emotions

can sometimes cloud our faith. Yet, God, in His compassion, anticipated our struggles. Through

His prophets, He provided numerous proofs to strengthen our belief, turning doubts into

unwavering convictions. Evidence from history, archaeological discoveries, and even present-

day events continually affirm that God’s Word is both timeless and true.

When doubt arises, the Bible should be our first resource. The Old Testament is filled with

prophecies about Jesus, many of which were written centuries before His birth and later fulfilled

with astonishing precision. Exploring just a few of these can inspire confidence in the accuracy

of Scripture and deepen our faith.

Isaiah, often called the Messianic prophet, wrote:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel 2 .”

This prophecy was penned more than 600 years before Jesus was born.

Micah, a prophet who advocated for the marginalized, foretold the birthplace of the Messiah:

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will

come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient

times. 3 ”

This remarkable prediction was made approximately 700 years before its fulfillment.

Isaiah also revealed the titles that Jesus would embody as the Messiah:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And

he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 4 ”

Faith is a gift, and it grows as we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord. The Bible assures us:

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ 5 ”

1 Isaiah 55:8-9 2 Isaiah 7:14 3 Micah 5:2 4 Isaiah 9:6 5 Romans 10:17

As we journey through this Advent season, let us recommit ourselves as individuals and as a

church to nurturing our faith. Let us study the Word deeply, reflect on God’s promises, and

prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which reveals Your eternal truth. Thank You for

allowing us to see glimpses of Your plan through history and for using science and discovery to

guide many to faith. Pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us, granting wisdom, discernment, and

revelation as we study Scripture. Help us overcome laziness and distractions so that we may

faithfully seek You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.