Do you really have FAITH?

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When I read Jesus' words in Mark 11:20-24, faith in action seems quite simple. However the possibility He described is far from the reality many of us Christians experience.

Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (NKJV)

Jesus spoke to a tree, and the very next day His words came to pass. As disciples of Christ, made in God's very image, we have this same power available to us. But this power can only be accessed and made manifest using FAITH. Therefore if we do not see this power working in our lives, there is likely an absence of true faith.

WHAT IS FAITH?

In order to have true faith, we must first understand what it is. Faith is more of a verb than a noun. True faith is absolute conviction that produces ACTION. As written in James 2:14-22; faith without works is dead.

Faith is a tangible thing so powerful, it creates something from nothing, as defined in Hebrews 11:1-3.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (NKJV emphasis added)

That is why you cannot have faith and be afraid of looking or sounding ridiculous (foolish).

Acts of faith can make you look crazy. Most of which will require verbal declarations or commands - remember Jesus SPOKE to the fig tree... out loud! Words are powerful and we underestimate them. We should be confessing what we want to happen. Unfortunately we are rather skilled at doing the opposite... complaining.

Hebrews 11 is popularly known as the Hall of Faith... where the Bible lists several acts of faith we can learn from. Abraham the patriarch being our ultimate example. 

Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 [f]of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

Romans 4:18-21. who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Abraham's mindset and actions were a result of true faith.

Faith is also defined in the Bible as being a SHIELD, the most important part of the armor of God. Ephesians 6:16 says above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

Therefore Faith is not only a requirement for provision, but also for protection.

THE LIFE OF THE BELIEVER STARTS WITH AND IS SUSTAINED BY FAITH.

All Christians know that their journey with Christ started with faith. We believe and then we are saved (Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16). But, many of us are not quite conscious of the fact that the application of faith does not end at the moment of salvation. Faith is also what powers our Christian experience. Due to this ignorance, most of us live quite defeated lives... lives that do not mirror the many promises beautifully listed in the Bible.

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (NKJV)

The devil is very intentional about attacking the believer's faith. That is how he renders us powerless as Christians. His strategy will usually involve one or more of these five things: Ignorance, Fear, Sin, Discouragement, and Pride.

FIVE THINGS THAT FIGHT THE BELIEVER’S FAITH

  • Ignorance 

    • Ignorance is not as harmless as we think... it can hurt (Hosea 4:6)
    • We hear God through His word and that is what builds our faith.
      • Romans 10:17(NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
    • Do you know who you are in Christ?
      • A son will live like a servant until he knows who he is (Galatians 4:1-7)
      • What are the benefits of this new life in Christ? (Ephesians 1:17-21)
    • Do you know the promises of God? 
      • The word of God is full of great promises… know them to confess them.
      • In Christ we can claim all the promises made to Israel (Galatians 3:13-14) 
    • Do you know the ways of God? 
      • Our Christian experience is more fruitful when we understand the mysteries of key life principles (forgiveness, pride, leadership, prosperity etc)
      • The way God related with His people in the Old Testament gives great insight into the character and nature of God (1 Corinthians 10:1-11)
    • Knowledge gives us confidence and revelation we need to carry out acts of faith.

  • Fear

    • Fear is typically a result of the lies we believe or physical realities we perceive via our five senses. 
    • When we focus on these physical realities we invite doubt... the opposite of faith. We can only fight this by choosing to focus on the spiritual possibilities.
    • Having the right attitude when facing difficult circumstances makes a difference 
      • Matthew 8:26 (NKJV) But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
    • What words am I speaking? Fear or doubt cause us to complain, which is not harmless! (Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 13:2-3)

  • Sin

    • Sin and transgression have the power to hinder our prayers. Cain's heart posture is the reason why his sacrifice was rejected.
    • Hard truth: just because a prayer is said does not mean that it is heard. 
      • Proverbs 15:8 (NKJV) The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
      • Let us make it a habit to repent daily. 
    • If we don’t forgive… we cannot receive the blessing of forgiveness (Mark 11:25-26)
    • For most Christians it's not the “big” sins but the “little” transgressions (Proverbs 13:15)

  • Discouragement

    • Discouragement is usually the result of disappointment and impatience.
    • Because of our human frailty, unanswered prayers or delayed answers can take their toll. 
      • Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV) Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
    • Ask the Holy Spirit for help, we are not alone in this and God understands our human struggles (John 14:16-17)
    • Read and meditate on the word to find comfort and maintain faith (Psalm 27:13-14)
      • Remember Joseph's patience paid off big time when he was moved from the prison to the palace

  • Pride

    • Worldly knowledge and cleverness can cause us to question what the Bible says. Such pride is really foolishness, and makes us unable to apply faith. 
      • 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 (NKJV) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”
    • Ultimate loyalty to denominations (man-made doctrines), can also  cause us to reject biblical truths.
      • 1 Corinthians 3:4-8 - God’s word should be above tradition/doctrine.
    • Pride also causes us to doubt miracles and the manifestations of God's power.
      • If you doubt it, you won’t have it and thus our faith is hindered.

HOW TO LIVE BY FAITH? 

OBEDIENCE

#1  Be aware of the things that may be fighting your faith and address them.

#2 Obey especially when it is hard or does not make sense. It could hurt, you could be alone, it could be embarrassing. 

A few practical ways to live by faith:

  • Let God fight our battles. Trust Him to execute justice even when we are gravely wronged. He knows the best way to execute vengeance. Let us learn to let it go.
  • Let God make our decisions through wisdom and revelation. Be intentional about seeking God before making critical decisions like career choices, marriage, kid’s school, where to live, etc
  • Let God solve your problems. He should be our first resort, not last.

Be absolutely certain that God will test your faith. Be discerning and alert.

  • 1 Peter 1:7 (NKJV) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 

Fall in love with scripture ... remember faith comes by hearing through the word of God. Be diligent and intentional about reading and studying scripture (2 Timothy 2:15)

Remember what God has already done to have FAITH for what He will do. Keep a record of your testimonies. Share it so much that it imprints itself permanently in your memory.

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