To Walk By Faith

To walk by faith doesn't mean that we ignore problems and foolishly say they are not there or don't exist. No, that is insanity. However, in the face of adversity, faith says, God has the last word in this situation & whatever He says, I agree. Therefore, when we walk by faith & not by sight, we acknowledge the present circumstances but choose to respond by our knowledge of God's promises or facts for every situation. God's promises relate to what He says He will do. The facts relate to what has already been accomplished and secured.

The Bible says, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge"(Hosea 4:6). The word 'destroyed' means cut off, cease, perish. The word 'knowledge' means understanding, discernment, wisdom, perception, skill. Therefore, those who fail to develop the wisdom & skill to use the Word of God in the time of adversity are cut off from receiving the promised provision or secured benefits found in Christ.

So what do we do if we find ourselves out of faith? We step into faith, by repenting and receiving God's forgiveness. "If God be for You who can be against you"(Romans 8:31). If He wants you to grow in faith, then what is to say that you can't develop faith. If faith is something that pleases God (Heb 11:6) then be assured that God is willing to grant it if you want it. Make the decision today to get into prayer & Bible study so you can hear the Spirit tell you what you have in Christ. He will tell you who you are in Christ as well. And He will reveal the love we share in Christ. Know this, that every situation we face presents options. We decide what options we take. We can choose faith or fear. We can choose to be encouraged or discouraged.

One last thing on faith. Hebrews 11:1 says that it is the substance of things hoped for the assurance of things not seen. The word 'substance' means a thing put under, substructure, foundation. That helps us to understand that faith is literally a tangible reality to create and manifest a desired outcome. That is why Hebrews goes on to say that with faith the entire universe was formed (11:3). This is confirmed by the psalmist who writes,"For when He spoke, the world began! It appeared at His command"(psalm 33:6-9).

Let the revelation of this Truth enlighten the eyes of your understanding. It is God's Words that have the power to create a new tangible reality. The authority is in His Words not ours. Therefore, we are only required to come in agreement with His will given to us and we can rest in Him for the results. That is good news because we don't have to strive to make it happen. Either it is a finished work or a promised expectation from God. I don't forsee any answer we need that doesn't fall in either of those two categories. And what's really awesome about God is He starts us off with a measure of faith that we can employ and even grow (Romans 12:3 & Ephesians 4:13).

So be encouraged. He has taken care of everything. Only believe it.