LIVING BY FAITH
But My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 10:38
Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” How cruel!! Can’t Jesus see that this man’s hand is withered? How could he possibly stretch it out? With a measure of fear and trepidation, the man did as Jesus commanded… and his withered hand was restored. WOW! He stepped out in faith… and God did a miracle.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH
The Christian life is a life of faith… from start to finish. How does one get saved? He gets saved by putting his little, mustard seed hand of faith in God’s great big hand of grace. How does one walk with God? He walks with God by walking in faith, believing God and obeying God and stepping out on His word.
Faith is so critical. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Did you catch that? It is not improbable or highly unlikely that you will please God without faith… it is impossible to please Him without faith. Why is that?
Think for a moment about the difference between faith and unbelief… what do those two opposite responses say to God? Faith says, “I believe You, Lord. I believe You can be trusted and are not lying to me when You make a promise. I believe that You are able to make a way… even when there seems to be no way.” God loves it when we say those things to Him!
HOW ARE YOU FAITHING?
The Lord works in direct response to our faith. The man with the withered hand would never have been healed unless he had acted in faith and obeyed the Lord’s command… even though it seemed impossible for him to do so.
How about you? What is the Lord commanding you to do that you do not feel you can do… and, therefore, do not obey? Is it in the area of tithing, giving 10% of your income to His work? Is it in the area of witnessing, telling others about Jesus? Is it in the area of forgiveness, releasing that someone who hurt you? Is it in the area of worry, giving that problem over to Him? Is it in the area of guilt, believing God will forgive you the moment you truly repent? Is it in the area of the impossible, believing God despite the circumstances?
The walk of faith is the only walk for a Christian. Take the promises of God and start to believe them enough to act on them. You will be amazed at how your life takes on new meaning, direction and power as you trust Him everyday, believing His Word over your circumstances.
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
