Faith is an ethereal concept, wispy, something that we
cannot get a grip on. The meaning of faith seems to elude us at times. The hard
part about faith is that in order to have it, we cannot doubt (Matthew
21:21). Jesus said that faith is the substance of the things, which
we hope for (Hebrews 11:1). Faith helps us to believe that
our hopes are real. How does faith do that? It causes us to put our trust in
God alone.
Jesus chided people for their unbelief (Matthew
17:20). He actually marveled when He found great faith in people (Matthew
8:10; 15:28). He spoke a great deal about faith. Jesus told His disciples
that faith is actually a cure for fear (Matthew 8:26). He
builds our faith with statements such as the fact that God clothes us like the
grass in the field, because we are of far more importance to Him (Matthew
6:30).
When Jesus saw the faith of the sick people who came to
Him, He immediately healed them (Matthew 9:22, 29; Luke 7:50). He even
healed people when their friends or family had faith for them (Matthew
9:2; 15:28). When we are full of the faith of Jesus, we can do the
great deeds, which He directs us to accomplish (Acts 6:8; Ephesians 2:10). Many
people come to Christ when they see us living out our authentic faith (Acts 11:24).
Actually, we do not have to manufacture great faith devoid
of all doubt; we simply need to live by His faith (Galatians
2:20; Acts 3:16). Satan’s demons attempt to distract us or discourage us, but
God is the author and finisher of our faith (Acts 13:8). His
faith heals us in body and soul (Acts 14:9). We comfort each other by sharing
our mutual faith in God with one another (Romans 1:12). Our faith
pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)
Prayer:
Father God, You multiplied the number of Believers in the
early church, and You continue to do that same thing all over the earth and
throughout the ages of time (Acts 16:5). We thank You for opening the
door of faith to the Gentiles, as well as to the Jews. You make no difference
between them and us, because You purify our hearts by faith (Acts
15:9). In this life, we enter Your Kingdom through much
tribulation, which helps our faith in You to grow (Acts
14:22).
Thought for the Day:
God gives us faith as He turns us from the
darkness of this world to His light, and from the power of Satan’s stranglehold
on us to His glorious freedom. – Acts 26:18
