Through Jesus Christ, we have been justified by faith, And therefore, we must always live by faith because it is a call for every son of God to fulfill. Just a few days ago, the Lord reminded me how by His grace I have walked by faith from a very young age when my parents got divorced. It was not easy but I learnt to believe God for everything; food to eat, clothes to wear, tuition and books, where to stay and where the next $1 will come from for the things I needed, without compromising my love for God. Faith is a sacrifice and His grace, I have practiced my faith to a point where no situation can stress me out. I still believe God for everything I need because like Abraham, living by faith is the story of my life.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith requires that in the absence of physical evidence, we live in the unseen realm of the kingdom of God with His Word being our main guide. The Word of God paints a picture in our minds and thoughts of the things we hope for. Once our faith is properly functioning, the reality of God’s kingdom is manifested in our lives.
Here are three truths about living by faith:
Without faith we cannot please 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
God is pleased by our faith in Him. God is pleased that though we do not see Him, we believe and have confidence in Him and in His Word, knowing that He can never lie to us and being fully persuaded that if God said it, then that’s it! We can believe it and hold on to it.
2. Faith produces patience.
James 1:3 (NKJV) says, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
Living by faith will test our patience. Apostle James tells us to allow “patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”. Patience is like the four tires of your faith; it keeps faith standing and moves it to its destination.
3. Not living by faith is sin.
Romans 14:23 “……..for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Our faith in the grace of God delivered us from sin, bringing us permanently into a life of faith. Whenever we act or speak without faith in God, we step outside His grace into sin. That is why the Bible says that the just or righteous shall live by faith; and living in faith confines us to living within God’s word. Dear friends, remember that living by faith is a call that every son of God must answer. And therefore, not living by faith is sin, but living by faith produces patience and God becomes pleased with us. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to live by faith by the power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Scripture References: Mark 11:22 Hebrews 6:12 1 Peter 1:6-9