FAITH THAT WORKS

Now faith is the substance
of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1

We are living in a day when our faith is being tried on many fronts. I'm not speaking of a faith in mankind, science, finances, marriages or any other things we could add to the list. I'm speaking of a faith based purely in God, a faith that sustains us through the good and bad of life, any circumstances the world can throw at us.

I came across some notes I took probably more years ago than I even know of. I don't know the source of the information whether mine, old sermon notes, etc. This is a list of six things that are true about faith. I'm listing them with appropriate verses.

*Having faith pleases God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

*Faith protects us from the enemy.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

*Faith help us find peace.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

*Faith helps us find healing.

And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. Luke 18:42

*Faith helps us to live successfully.

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

*Faith breaks down walls in our lives.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us. Ephesians 2:14

A healthy relationship requires effort on the part of two parties. Usually the stronger of the two will take the first step in establishing a relationship. God did His part by sending Jesus, His Son, to die a horrible death on a cross for our sins. Now comes our part in dedicating ourselves first in accepting this relationship with God through our own salvation. From that point, as in any relationship, even though God knows all there is about us, we know very little about Him. In fact, we will never come to the point of knowing Him fully. As we come to know Him more and more, our faith grows and is enriched.

This growth in our faith takes some effort on our part as it would in any relationship. It means regular feeding on the Word of God. It means conversing with God and also being a part of God's family in regular fellowship through worshiping and learning. Any relationship will take effort and God has done more than His part in making our relationship real, thriving and full of faith.

Simply put, FAITH is:

FORSAKING

All

I

Trust

Him

Father, thank You for first seeking us out of love to be a part of Your faith family. Help us through Your Holy Spirit to have a hunger to grow more in grace and knowledge of You. Increase our faith knowing You desire a strong relationship with us. May we hunger and thirst for a growing faith in You. We love you. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

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