Essential Faith
Faith is a well-founded conviction that as God promises so it will be.
“Faith comes from hearing the message . . through the Word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NIV.
There is confusion about faith – what it is, where it comes from, what it looks like, how it feels, or how it grows. In everyday life, faith is essential, not optional. You evidence some measure of natural faith in the most common of routines. You mail a letter with faith the Postal Service will properly deliver it as addressed. You deposit your paycheck with faith the bank will insure its security and availability for your use. You place faith in people you with whom you have no personal knowledge or history.
Uncertainty arises when the discussion shifts from ordinary, natural circumstances to the exercise of faith in matters of spiritual life. Faith is a well-founded conviction that as God promises so it will be. Faith’s conviction rests solidly upon the ability and integrity of the One who promises. The Bible describes Abraham as, “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:21 NIV. Reading Abraham’s journey of faith you understand those words describe the outcome of his journey, not every moment of its duration. He became “fully persuaded,” as he chose again and again to believe God instead of feelings, facts, and fears. You can do the same with the same results.
God is the origin of faith that resides within each person, “As God has given to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3 NKJV. You came into this world with that measure of faith in your spirit. Along the way, you learned to doubt and faith remained dormant, there but ignored and inactive, until, “By grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God . .” Ephesians 2:8 NIV. Faith is the residing response in one’s heart to the eternal truth found in God. In your moment of decision, faith that was dormant becomes active. You don’t produce it; God gave it; you have it; exercise it sincerely; strengthen it continually. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV. Faith does not first see, then believe; faith believes, then expects to see.
Faith accounts any apparent impossibility as opportunity for God to be God. Paul writes of Abraham’s faith, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as had been said to him . . Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:18-21 NIV.
Faith grows from consistent time and attention given to His Word. “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 NIV. When you fail to love God’s Word, you stifle faith. See Hebrews 4:2-3 NKJV. Read the Word; study the Word; meditate on the Word; believe the Word; speak the Word; live by the Word. Psalm 1:1-3 NKJV. You won’t become stronger in faith until faith becomes strong in you. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 NKJV.
My prayer for you today is that God’s Word will be strong in you.