Is Faith A Requirement?
Take a moment to think about a circumstance that required you to have faith. What was the outcome and how did your faith grow because of that experience?
What does it mean to live by faith? It helps if we have a greater understanding of what faith is, so let's take a look at Hebrews 11:1 NIV which says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." v6 says "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
When you reflect on your own faith, how does it compare to these two descriptions above? Do you trust God wholeheartedly? Are you sure of what you hope for or certain of what you do not see? So many of us wish that God would reveal His entire plan for our lives and yet God tells us to trust Him. Friends, this is not so easy to do when we are dealing with difficult trials in our life right?! And yet the Bible is filled with God's encouraging words and His wisdom as He instructs us on how to trust and follow His plan for our lives.
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Living by faith is vital for every Christian and requires us to:
Not to follow the culture around us
Trust God regardless of our circumstances
Continuously and faithfully endure till the end
Strive to live as Jesus lived (with humility, be gracious and merciful, be compassionate and patient, be kindhearted and joyful, the list goes on and on)
Have a quiet confidence that God IS good all the time (no matter the circumstance or outcome)
2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
"We live by faith, not by sight."
Romans 1:17 NIV
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."
When we walk closely with the Lord, He reveals Himself in profound ways and the more we experience and acknowledge Him the more our faith grows because we begin to witness that He is in control of every situation, and He provides for us when we leave the outcomes in His hands.
So, the question remains: is faith a requirement? The simple and yet challenging answer is yes! Yes, it is. When we remain diligent, disciplined and continue to persevere and trust God with each situation, our faith will continue to grow. Which means we can begin living a joyful and peaceful life because we know that God's goodness prevails.
Which Scripture below resonates with you most?
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
No matter what season you are in, remember that God is there with you. Continue to persevere and endure and know that your faith is being strengthened.
Written by: Jill Theriault
Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime
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