Living Faith Allows Us to Always Rejoice!

Living Faith Allows Us to Always Rejoice! Devotional Reading, June 20, 2023

It has taken a while, but finally, my Instagram account is showing 100% Christian content. As I watched each video, there was something that troubled my spirit, not one individual mentioned studying the Bible as part of our [faith] walk with Christ. We choose best-seller books written by popular Christian speakers rather than study the Greatest Book ever written.

As Christians we have access to countless resources and significantly more information than previous generations of believers. Yes, we readily seek, but sadly it is not the word of God that piques our interest. A best-seller [regardless of the author’s status] will never enable us to learn the character of God, feed our hungry souls, or give us a complete history of God’s miraculous love and redemption for humanity beginning with the creation of the world and our parents, Adam and Eve.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. —Hebrews 4:12, NLT

Today’s Christians no longer view the Bible as the only credible Source that is 100% God-breathed. To many, it is too complex to understand. Without praying for the Divine wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit, we cannot grasp the magnitude of the Holy Scriptures. Studying the Bible provides the foundation of our relationship with Christ, provides the spiritual knowledge and wisdom for righteous transformation, and acts as a catalyst for spiritual growth, especially our faith in God.

Without diligently studying the Scriptures, we have no idea who God is nor do we understand God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace. Without the word of God, we lack the spiritual insight that allows us to be anchored in Jesus Christ. Without knowledge of God’s precious promises, we falter and our faith fails when we need it the most!

Our faith in God allows us to believe and rejoice in His mighty power whether we are in a storm or all is well. The Bible defines God’s character and gives us hope from the real-life stories of humanity’s failures and victories that proves God is true to His Word.

Faith is one of the least understood traits of the Christian Character. The Scriptures tell us that God expects every believer to possess Faith!

“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” —Hebrews 11:6

What is faith? What is the reason God requires us to have steadfast faith? Where does faith come from? And how do we obtain the characteristic of unwavering belief that God says, we must possess?

Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Christ. Without biblical knowledge, we cannot understand the definition of faith or experience the spiritual growth of our God-given measure of faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it, the elders obtained a good testimony.” —Hebrew 11:1-2, NKJV

What is faith? A simplistic definition of faith: Faith is believing and trusting in God as though you are lost in a forest and blinded by the darkness that surrounds you. You admit that you are lost and do not have the slightest idea of which direction to walk. All you know is that it is impossible to get out without God’s help! In desperation, you cry out to God, believing that the light of Christ will intervene and direct you through the darkness to a victorious outcome!

Financial predicaments, loss of employment, vehicle needing major repairs, diagnosis of a terminal illness, marriage falling apart, and failing academic classes are just a few examples of things that happen in our lives that we cannot solve without Divine Intervention. Faith requires us to acknowledge God’s Omnipotence.

What is the origin of faith and how did we receive it?: “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” —Romans 12:3

A Measure of Faith: Faith is an innate gift from God—we were born with the character trait of faith. The Apostle Paul tells us that God has given every individual a measure of faith. For clarity, let’s compare our measure of faith to the size of a mustard seed.

Additional proof that God has given us faith: There is another aspect of faith that is rarely spoken of, when we accepted Christ as our personal Savior, we used our measure of faith to believe that Jesus is the only way to God, and the only One who can provide salvation and redemption to sinful humanity. The Holy Spirit spoke to our hearts, and we responded by saying yes. We confessed our sins, surrendered our lives, and commit ourselves to Jesus Christ whom we embraced through our innate faith.

We must admit that there is no rational explanation for believing and accepting the Gospel of a Savior who suffered, bled, died on Calvary’s cross, and arose from the dead who is now in heaven sitting at the right hand of God the Father serving as our Heavenly Intercessor. God’s gift of a measure of faith makes it possible for us to believe in His Divinity, Jesus Christ, His Son, and the [Mystery] of the Holy Spirit. It makes one shout, “Hallelujah!”

Our Responsibility: The measure of faith that allows us to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, is the same measure of faith that requires continuous spiritual growth. Without Divine Intervention, no amount of human effort can produce growth in the God-given character trait of faith.

In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that our commitment to follow Him will result in many trials and hardships in our earthly lives. Whatever the situation or challenge, Jesus allowed the trial to happen [that is always beyond our human capabilities to resolve]. The unexpected and continuous trials that make us suffer disappointment and sorrow are necessary to produce the spiritual growth of our faith.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” —James 1:2-4

Proof that our faith is growing or declining: When adversities arise that are impossible for us to resolve, our reaction demonstrates whether or not our Saving Faith has grown into Living Faith.

Acknowledgment: The definitions of Saving Faith and Living Faith are from a sermon that I watched from Pastor Charles Drake.

Saving Faith—This is the measure of faith that the Holy Spirit uses to speak to your heart. You responded by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Signs that your saving faith is not maturing: You still worry about today’s problems and the unknowns of tomorrow. Instead of having the joy, peace, and confidence that comes from faithfully believing in God’s promises and power, you are anxious and worried. And you become easily discouraged by the tests and trials in your life.

Living Faith—Despite the challenges of today and facing an unknown future, you place all your faith and trust in God’s Love, Promises, and Power. You have confidence and courage, and although the situation looks bleak and impossible. You are rejoicing because God is maturing you and transforming your character and your life to prepare you for eternal life. Yes, you may shed tears and endure loss, yet, you rely on God’s Sovereign Power even if the outcome is not what you imagined it would be.

“A nominal faith in Christ will never bring healing to the soul.” EGW

Long-lasting Trials: When fiery trials remain for an extended period, we begin to lose hope and end up feeling discouraged. Last week during a time of discouragement, I prayed for comfort and peace. Yes, I received the comfort and peace that I prayed for, but the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “Narrow Your Focus! And begin fasting along with praying.” The human effort of keeping our focus on Jesus while experiencing hardships does not come easily, especially during long periods of tribulation. Many times we must take additional steps of faith to receive spiritual strength.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.” —1 Peter 4:12

In the books of James and Peter, both apostles speak of suffering as Christians and having steadfast faith in fiery trials. The warfare of doubt and discouragement will attempt to rise up in your spirit. But brothers and sisters, when you are in the furnace of fiery trials, pray a simple prayer, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief that is trying to rise up and eliminate my faith in Your Love, Your Promises, and Your Power!”

Additionally, pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit to give you Divine Strength to run the Christian race that keeps your feet planted on the Path of Righteousness. We are nearing Home! Strive everyday by surrendering your will, much prayer, and searching the Scriptures. Only the faithful will receive their eternal reward from King Jesus! Read Revelation chapter 22, verses 12 and 13.

God will do whatever is necessary for us to have unwavering, thriving, and abundant Living Faith! God gave His only Son, Jesus for our redemption. Never lose sight of Jesus’ great sacrifice and your reward of eternal life.

Our trials bring us closer to God who never created us to live without His daily Intervention. We pray in faith and believe that God is allowing our tribulation for the specific purpose of transforming us into righteous sons and daughters who will remain faithful through all circumstances.

The Apostle John was taken into heavenly visions when writing the book of Revelation. When discouraged pray and study Revelation chapters 21 and 22. Narrow your focus! Our Christian duty is to pray, study the Scriptures, and have steadfast faith and trust in God.

Learn to Rejoice! God desires that every believer’s faith matures into a Living faith that allows them to rejoice in the dark valley experiences. Believe with all your might that God’s power and options are unlimited! Stand firm in your conviction that God is the “I AM that I AM!” Trust His promises, obey His directions, and patiently wait for His Divine Intervention, no matter how long it takes.

“At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.” —Isaiah 60:22, (last part)

Never forget—When we are out of options, God has the POWER to rescue, give provisions, provide healing, and deliver us!

Just like the woman with the issue of blood, we can Reach Out and Touch the Hem of Jesus’ Garment through faith-based prayers and petitions. Study the Bible to learn the unbreakable promises of our Father God. The human effort of doing our part to possess Living faith and the Divine Intervention of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ means Victory from now until eternity.

Scripture Reading: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:8-9

Prayer: God, we desperately need You! Our faith is weak and the waves of doubt and discouragement are tossing us like a row boat on a raging sea. Lord, we are praying for You to save our souls, and give us strength, comfort, and peace. We pray for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we ask this prayer, Amen.