Faith is a premier aspect of Christian living that punctuates everything in our walk with Christ. It has multiplied food, parted waters, flattened walls, dehydrated the clouds, quenched fury from flames, escaped the edge of swords, clinched the jaws of lions, opened graves, and paid taxes.
-John exalted it to the “victory that overcomes the world.”
-Jesus said it’s the substance that “moves mountains” and makes “all things possible.”
-The writer of Hebrews said it’s so vital that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”
-1 Corinthians 13 points out that only love precedes it.
Everything God created has a purpose. And the purpose of faith is to honor God. And there’s no greater means of honoring Him! It’s more important than any other work or sacrifice.That’s why Scripture repeatedly emphasizes it and then squares it in four separate passages by saying, “the just shall live by his faith.”
Satan knows how important faith is and it’s why he attacks it. He creates doubts about God’s willingness to show up during a crisis and creates questions about whether God’s promises apply to us. That’s why everybody struggles with expressing their faith; and I mean everybody! Even the Apostles struggled with unbelief.
Let me use an example, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the Mount of Transfiguration while the other Apostles floundered with a demon on the foothills. They should have been experts at exorcism as often as Christ had practiced it but they botched this attempt. And when Jesus returned to discover their failure He didn't coddle them with a feel good speech on How To Improve Their Self Image. No way! He literally jumped down their throats!
It’s amazing how frequently the Apostles failed their test of faith, especially as it concerned Christ’s death and resurrection. They couldn't imagine anything past the crucifixion, despite three years of Christ clobbering every obstacle before Him. Look what they did after His death. They found a private meeting place, locked themselves in, and huddled in fear refusing to answer a knock at the door. What had happened?
-They had seen His miracles.
-They watched Him master storms and seas.
-They witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus.
-They were firsthand witnesses of Him raising the widow’s son and saw Him resurrect the Centurion’s daughter.
But they couldn't comprehend the prediction of His resurrection, so they hovered in fear. And the reason Christ didn't knock on the door is because they wouldn't have answered it! He was forced to suddenly materialize. And what did He say? It wasn't “Now guys, I understand your doubts. Your fears are justified.” No, He preached a scorching sermon on unbelief! And they had it coming because He had repeatedly prepared them for His resurrection.
Listen, Jesus never excuses unbelief. The reason He deals with doubt so severely is because of what it breeds.
-It calls into question God’s character of goodness.
-It questions His willingness to intervene for our needs.
-It unsettles our trust His promises.
-It creates fear.
And perhaps most importantly it obstructs and barricades our access to God. Hebrews 11:6 says: “anyone who comes to [God] must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Doubt situates our problems between us and God, but faith situates God between us and our problems. That’s why we should never displace our faith in God!
Scripture: Hebrews 11:7; Matthew 21:22; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:17; James 2:14-26; Joshua 24:15
Prayer: Father everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do I make it salty again? I know I must have the qualities of salt among everyone I know and live in peace with everyone. Help me to accomplish this Lord, send the Holy Spirit to guide me in all things and help me to be tenacious and concerned for the lost and perishing. In Jesus mighty and precious name I pray, Amen.
-thanks to Robert D. Pace
May your day be blessed,
Melanie
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