In the journey of faith, we often encounter moments that test our resolve and challenge our beliefs. Yet, it’s precisely in these moments that we’re called to stand firm, to remember who we are in Christ, and to trust in the unwavering love and intercession of our Saviour.
The righteous shall live by faith – this profound truth echoes throughout scripture, reminding us that faith is not an optional extra in our Christian walk, but the very essence of how we’re called to live. From the moment we’re born again to our final breath, we’re on a journey from faith to faith, growing and maturing in our trust in God.
But what exactly is faith? It’s more than just a feeling or an abstract concept. Faith is substance – it’s as real and tangible as the chair you’re sitting on right now. The writer of Hebrews tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Your faith is of the exact same substance as the thing you’re hoping for. When you have faith in something, it’s as if you already possess it.
This faith is our shield, our protection against the fiery darts of the enemy. It’s not a small, round shield, but a massive one, as large as a door, behind which we can take shelter. With this shield of faith, we can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Yet, even as we wield this powerful shield, we must be aware that there’s an enemy who seeks to undermine our faith. In a poignant moment in scripture, Jesus warns Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32).
This reveals a profound truth – there are forces that seek to cause our faith to fail, to eclipse the promises of God with the problems of this world. The enemy desires to have us, to sift us like wheat, hoping to separate us from our faith.
But here’s where the good news comes in – Jesus is interceding for us. Just as He prayed for Peter, He’s praying for you and me, that our faith may not fail. For over 2,000 years, Jesus has been engaged in a ministry of intercession, standing before the Father on our behalf.
This truth should revolutionise how we view our struggles and challenges. When we feel weak, when we don’t even know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And Jesus, our great High Priest, ever lives to make intercession for us.
In the face of trials, we have a choice. We can see ourselves as “Ben-Oni” (son of my sorrow) or as “Benjamin” (son of my right hand). This powerful illustration from the story of Rachel and Jacob reminds us that our identity is not determined by our circumstances, but by how God sees us.
Christ became the true “Ben-Oni” – the man of sorrows – so that we could become “Benjamin” – sons and daughters of God’s right hand. He took our sorrows upon Himself so that we could experience the fullness of God’s blessing.
This blessing is beautifully depicted in Proverbs 3, where wisdom (which is Christ) is described as holding length of days in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. This is the embrace of God, offering us both eternal life and abundant blessings in this present life.
So how do we live as “Benjamins” rather than “Ben-Onis”? It starts with choosing whose report we will believe. Will we focus on the problems that surround us, or on the promises of God? Will we allow the temporary challenges of this life to eclipse the eternal weight of glory that awaits us?
Even in our weakest moments, when we don’t know how to pray, we can appeal to our High Priest. We can say, “Jesus, I feel more like Ben-Oni than Benjamin right now. The problems seem to outweigh the promises. Please pray for me. Intercede on my behalf.”
Remember, Jesus is the “apostle and high priest of our confession” (Hebrews 3:1). No matter how many sorrows we face, we must hold fast to our confession of faith. We must continue to declare who we are in Christ, even when our circumstances seem to contradict it.
As we navigate the challenges of life, let’s hold onto these truths:
1. Our faith is substance – it’s real and powerful.
2. Jesus is interceding for us, praying that our faith will not fail.
3. We are “Benjamin” – sons and daughters of God’s right hand – even when we feel like “Ben-Oni”.
4. We can appeal to our High Priest in our moments of weakness.
5. Our confession matters – we must hold fast to who we are in Christ.
In the end, it’s not about how strong our faith is, but about how faithful our God is. He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. He who called us is faithful, and He will do it.
So stand firm, dear believer. Your faith may be tested, but it will not fail. For you have a Saviour who ever lives to make intercession for you, who prays that your faith will stand strong. You are not a child of sorrow, but a child of the right hand of God. Embrace this identity, walk in this truth, and watch as your faith grows from strength to strength.
