Substance

Do you ever feel that you’ve lost substance, that you are “thin”? I’m reminded of that saying, “He’s just a shadow of his former self.” What gives us substance? The dictionary defines substance: essential nature; ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change; practical importance, meaning, usefulness.

For me, this loss of substance, or the sense of it, is usually perpetrated by a lack of purpose. Like I’m just going through the motions, or not much that I’m doing really matters. The antidote? Faith. Faith in the One Who holds all things together by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). Scripture tells us that faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). The very thing we need to be saved by Him is also something He must give us. We receive faith from God to have faith in God.

“Now faith is the substance of things hopes for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV) I believe it is faith in God that gives me substance. Faith sustains. It holds me in the presence of Him Who is the concrete foundation on which my life is built. I absolutely must believe that God is Who He says He is, that Jesus is His only begotten Son, and that He sent the Holy Spirit to help me grow up in the love of God in order to love the world around me and become a minister of reconciliation.

If I believe God is Who He says He is, then I must also believe I am who God says I am. He cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). He says I was chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). He says I was created to know Him, to believe Him, and to be His witness (Isaiah 43:10). In other words, I have purpose.

I have a substantial calling, not because I’m a wonderful human being but because a wonderful God has called me….out of darkness, out of the shadows, into His marvelous light. He gives me substance. More than that, He is my sustaining substance.

Father, forgive me when I forget to remember that I am Yours and that all my living is for Your pleasure and Your purpose. In You and You alone is all my hope and stay. Be evident in my life, Lord, and make my life a witness of Your great love and mercy and grace. Being in Your presence, Lord, enlarges me, strengthens me, sustains me and encourages me. Indeed, You have the words of life for me. Speak to my heart, again. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Until next week, live on the firm foundation of Christ and in the extravagance of His love.