“By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks” Hebrews 11:4 (NASB).
I had learned that it was Abel’s animal offering that made Abel more acceptable to God than Cain. Yet, Hebrews 11:4 tells us that it was his faith. It wasn’t Abel’s offering of an animal sacrifice that obtained God’s testimony. It was Abel’s offering of faith that obtained the testimony of God. The animal sacrifice was a result of faith.
In our walks with God, do we depend on our works as offerings to God to make us righteous? Or, do we offer up our faith as weak as it may be? I believe God wants offerings of faith (mustard seed size of faith) and not works. There will be works as a result of faith. Abel offered up an animal from his flock (Genesis 4:4). But it is our faith God wants. It is a subtle difference, yet a significant one.
What is motivating our lives? Are our works or is our faith? I am learning to approach my Christian life as an offering of faith unto my faithful God. He does the works. My offering of faith is that He will accomplish His works. As I do things, I now pray, “God, let this be an offering of faith unto you.” I have not stopped working. I have asked that my works be a result of faith in God. My works have not changed in appearance to men. I have changed and my works have changed in appearance to God. I share this as an offering of faith to our faithful God.
Mary studied Mechanical Engineering as an undergraduate student. While studying she traded semesters working at NASA in Houston, Texas. It was while working at NASA that she felt the tug on her heart that God had another plan for her life. Upon graduation, Mary proceeded to serve as a missionary for the next 11 years of her life; she served in Greece the last two years of her service. Upon returning from Greece, she pursued her Master's degree in Counseling, which led to a job with a major university. It was while working there that God did what God faithfully does, she found herself working as an engineer again as she managed major construction projects for the university. She also pursued her Master's degree in Engineering Management and her Professional Engineering License. Mary now on her ministry and writing. When Mary left missionary service it was her desire to return to fulltime ministry one day. She had her first outline for a book in 1989 (a book she has yet to write). Her first book was published in May, 2014 with the second quickly on its heels in December, 2014. She continues to write and is developing an evangelistic series of books centered around Jesus Christ. Her prayer is that her books will bless others' relationships with our Father God and His word.