The writer to the Hebrews in the famous first verse of chapter 11 describes faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. This definition of faith shows us that faith is not a vague hope grounded in wishful thinking but a settled confidence of a promised future.
Our faith is secure not because of the level of our conviction but because of the focus of our faith. As an example let us imagine your house was on fire you were trapped on the top floor with your only route of escape a nearby tree. If you were to leap for that tree whether you lept confidently or timidly it would make no difference if the branch you caught snapped under your weight. Our faith is the same. If we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can move mountians not because of the measure of our faith but because of the power of the object of our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ. Our measure of faith on the other hand, that is the confidence we have to leap in situations, comes from our knowledge of the object of our faith. Paul greatly desired to see the Thessalonians to know of their measure of faith as, due to there quick exit from thessalonica, he was not able to pass on the full knowledge of the gospel to them. He mentions here in verse ten that he wishes to see them that he might impart to them what is lacking in their faith. Not that they were no converted but that did not have the time to impart a full knowledge of the gospel for holy living. We see particularly in this letter his concern for their knowledge of Christs second coming.
This can truly be a healthy warning for all of us, though our faith is secure as Christians because of the object of our faith, what is the measure of our faith to live boldly and holy for Christ day to day!? What do we need in order to fill up what is lacking in our faith? How can we re-arrange our life in order to gain more knowledge of the object of our faith Jesus! What should we set aside to spend more time on God's word, more time in the presence of Christians talking about Jesus, more time under the preaching of God's word, more time in commuion with our Savior that our measure of faith might reach its fulness...
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