Walking in Faith
I want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith?
Galatians 3:2
The good intentions toward us of our Heavenly Father should bolster our hopes everyday. Whenever there are reasons for discouragement, there are many more for encouragement. The erffort and sometimes even struggle we must put forth in life to succeed are to be built upon this realization, that God is on our side. With confidence in God’s care we face every obstacle as a mere inconvenience, confident that somewhere along the road of life doors will open, and we continue doing the right things, thinking the right thoughts, following the right path, with the trust that God is for us.
This trust has a remarkable effect on us and on God. Trusting God is the only thing we can do to open up doors of blessings into our lives, and I even hesitate to use the phrase ‚we can do‘ for fear of misunderstandings. Faith is not doing in the sense of actions or effort; it is simple trust in God, but it is also resting in Him and accepting the words of Scripture of His love for us and His intententions to bless us. Are you trusting in God’s love for you right now? Are you accepting this moment that God intends to do you good, not harm? Are you staking your stand on the words of Scripture and trusting in those words, and beyond the words trusting in God, in Christ Jesus Himself?
Trust also has its effect on us. Faith is not a cop out for works, nor does it lead to spiritual laziness or lethargy. Real faith does just the opposite: it leads us to confidence and action because it has assumed the grace and goodness of God will be active in our lives just as He has said they will. The Psalmist wrote, When I am afraid, I will trust in You (Psalm 56:3). Faith is an antidote for fear that leads to hesitations and inactions.
Dig deep in your heart to summon up the faith that is required. God will enable you and help you to do so. Determine to believe in Him fully and act upon that faith fully. If your faith stands upon the truth of God’s word and in the person of Christ, you will find that motivation for action will increase, that hope will be your daily companion, that the Spirit will indwell you, and that the future will look greater.
Prayer:
Lord, we ask for the grace to increase our faith, that we might live in hope. Amen.