By George!

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CLICK HERE for a ride on the High Roller in Las Vegas

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. – Hebrews 11:1,6

The New Mexico State Fair ended last week in our city and the image that always comes to my mind when I think of such events is a giant Ferris Wheel that dominates all the other rides on the Midway. What would a fair be without one?

The original Ferris Wheel was invented by engineer George Ferris and was 264′ high. It first appeared at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, where it opened to the public on June 21, 1893. For the inaugural ride, Ferris invited a newspaper reporter to accompany him and his wife. It was a windy day, so a stiff breeze struck the wheel with great force as it slowly began its rotation. Despite the wind, the wheel turned flawlessly and after one revolution, Ferris called for the machine to be stopped so that he, his wife, and the reporter could step out and take their bows.

The tallest Ferris wheel in the world today is located on the Las Vegas Strip in Nevada (shown above), and is appropriately named, High Roller. It’s 550′ high with an almost equal diameter of 520′. That, by the way, is as high as the Washington Monument or as tall as a 55 story building!

George Ferris began with the scientific knowledge that the machine would work and had confidence that it would be safe. Mrs. Ferris and the reporter in turn believed that the machine would work on the basis of what the inventor had said. In braving that one revolution of the windblown Ferris wheel, each occupant demonstrated great faith, in a Ferris Wheel!

Notice that the definition of biblical faith also involves hope for something that is believed will take place, even before it is happens and that it will lead to a true experience. It’s a conviction that what is believed will take place. It will happen.

Well, how about you and me? How do we respond to our Inventor’s promises? Do we have that conviction in our hearts that He will back them up when we believe and act – even when times are tough and the winds of life are really strong?

Whenever you and I exercise faith in things not seen, which are based on God’s promises (at last count there are 5,467), this pleases God and He never fails to respond.* Maranatha! 

*Dictionary of Themes

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