“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6. When we act with faith that goes beyond our abilities and resources, we please God. There will be times when we will face obstacles that appear to be too big for us to handle on our own. Like the Israelites on the edge of the Promised Land, God will give us opportunities to increase our faith by allowing us to participate in His plans. Sadly, the Israelites focused on the obstacles and their abilities rather than on God’s plan. Faith compels to focus on His vision. Faith says, “I believe God will do this… and I’m putting my trust in Him with faith that goes beyond.”

“Faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and He will get us through it.” — Max Lucado

When fear shapes our lives, safety becomes our god. When safety becomes our god, we worship the risk-free life. Can the safety lover do anything great? Can the risk-averse accomplish noble deeds? For God? For others? No. The fear-filled cannot love deeply; love is risky. They cannot give to the poor. Benevolence has no guarantee of return. The fear-filled cannot dream wildly. What if their dreams sputter and fall from the sky? The worship of safety emasculates greatness. No wonder Jesus wages such a war against fear. Max Lucado, Fearless] http://www.slideshare.net/steve4040/faith-that-goes-beyond-48159966