Faith
is an ethereal concept, wispy at times, something on which we cannot get a tight
grip. The meaning of faith seems to elude us sometimes too. God's Word tells us
that faith is the substance of the things, which we hope for (Hebrews 11:1).
The
hard part about faith is that in order to have it, there is no room for doubt
(Matthew 21:21). Jesus chided people for their unbelief (Matthew 17:20). He
actually marveled when He found great faith in people (Matthew 8:10; 15:28).
Actually,
we do not have to manufacture great faith devoid of all doubt; we simply need
to live by His faith in us (Galatians 2:20; Acts 3:16). Faith helps us to
believe that our hopes are real, by causing us to put our trust in God alone.
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).
This
is certainly true in my life. I have a wonderful wardrobe of beautiful clothing
that I purchased at thrift stores for $10 or less, or that came from
hand-me-downs from other people. I relish each new outfit that He provides.
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).
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 testimony of mutual faith in God (Romans
1:12).
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).
You
give us faith as You turn us from the darkness of this world to Your light, and
from the power of Satan’s stranglehold on us to Your glorious freedom (Acts
26:18). In this life, we enter Your Kingdom through much tribulation, which
helps our faith in You to grow (Acts 14:22). We are so glad that our faith
pleases You (Hebrews 11:6)
Thought
for the Day:
When
we are full of the faith of Jesus, we can do the great deeds, which God directs
us to accomplish, and many people come to Christ when they see us living out
our authentic faith in Christ alone.
-
Acts 6:8; Ephesians 2:10; Acts 11:24
