"Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1). A simple glance in any dictionary would reveal that Faith is a noun; it is not a verb. Faith is, therefore, not something you do; it is something you have, and when you have it, you confess it; it moves you into action, because faith is action-oriented. We all respond to faith. Our faith determines our words, and our words reflect our faith. Everything we do as human beings is based on faith, whether we realize it or not. Indeed, in the sense realm we may not call anything “faith.” Regardless, it is faith that makes one accept and confess the existence or nonexistence of God. The atheist has faith that God does not exist, and so he confesses that faith and acts according to that faith, defending his position with everything he’s got. The Christian has faith that God exists, that Jesus is the Son of God who came and died for our sins to redeem humankind and was raised from the dead for our justification, and so the Christian confesses that faith and acts according to that faith, defending his position with everything he’s got.
Thus, faith determines our confession and our action. Practically, our faith becomes our confession and the force behind our action; and ultimately our faith becomes our reality. This is why the Bible says “faith is the substance of things hoped for.” It means that faith is tangible; faith is real. If you look in a dictionary right now for the definition of “substance,” you will notice that the definition points to a real physical matter, or something which has a tangible solid presence. When you have faith for something, it is equivalent to having that “thing” physically in your hand right now. Faith calls things that are not as though they were (see Romans 4:17), and they come into manifestation. Whatever it is we need, FAITH considers or imagines it done. In fact, we can only live up to the standard of our faith and our confession. For example, if I have faith for a big church-building for my ministry, it is equivalent to having that church-building right now. And so that faith, which I have, should trigger a corresponding action of confessing that I have a big church-building, celebrating and thanking God for the building, and then moving according to the leading of the Holy Spirit to claim that building. I should also expect that people who are in the flesh or “sense realm” will not understand why I am confessing and celebrating a building they cannot see; they may even think I’m crazy. But if the faith I have is really alive, then I have to hold fast my confession (see Hebrews 4:14) in spite of the sense evidence that points to the contrary. And when people ask for the evidence of the building, all I have to do is point them to my faith, because the Bible says “faith is the EVIDENCE of things not seen.” (see Hebrews 11:1). And let’s just say that, as I continue to patiently and actively have faith for the building in question, the Holy Spirit leads me to raise a million dollars in donations, and then leads me to construct this church-building with that money. Then, I can rightly say that the building that has been constructed as a result of my faith is no more real or tangible than the faith that brought it into its physical manifestation or existence. And so now, I may not even feel a need or an urge to celebrate the physical building, because I already celebrated when I received the building by faith.
Beloved, all this may seem foolish in the fleshly or sense realm, but guess what, faith doesn't exist in the sense realm. This is why the Bible says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (see 2 Corinthians 5:7). Sight is in the sense realm (it is one of the five senses); faith is not in the sense realm; faith is spiritual. As believers we do not walk according to our flesh or our senses. We walk by faith; we walk in the Spirit.
Now, since Faith is a noun, we can also personify it to bring out more of its distinct characteristics. And, mind you, Faith, as used in this context, DOES NOT refer to a person's religious beliefs or doctrines. If you closely followed the earlier explanation and example that I gave of Faith, or if you yourself are in Faith, you probably already know this: Faith is self-assured. Faith is narrow-minded. Faith only sees one version of the story — the Bible’s version, the positive version. Faith does not reason. Faith doesn’t consider contrary opinions or circumstances. Faith is stubbornly certain, unyielding, and does not entertain opposing views. Faith leaves no room for options or alternatives. Faith doesn't know any such thing as "maybe." Faith knows no failure. Faith doesn't know it didn't work. Faith considers it done. Faith knows that it always works. Faith always receives. Faith doesn’t look for proof or evidence that it received whatever it asked for. Faith is the evidence. Faith doesn't wait for the substance (of whatever is being hoped for) to manifest before the celebration begins. Faith celebrates now, because Faith is the substance. When Faith becomes broad-minded, and begins to consider other versions of the story other than the Bible’s version, begins to leave room for options, and starts to consider that "maybe" it is true, “maybe” it isn’t, or “maybe” it will work, "maybe" it won't; when Faith starts to waver, and begins to wonder why it didn't receive, or why it didn't work, it immediately ceases to be Faith, because, you see, Faith doesn’t know failure; Faith is consistent. Faith doesn't know it didn't work. So far as Faith is concerned, it always works. Faith always wins. Faith doesn't look for evidence of victory; Faith is the evidence. Faith doesn't look for the substance; Faith is the substance. Now, tell me, does this look anything like your faith? It should.
Beloved, genuine faith is what shields the believer in times of trials and tribulations. It is a normal part of the Christian life to be faced sometimes with adverse circumstances (trials and tribulations, or afflictions). The Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.” (Psalm 34:19-20). The Bible also says in Acts 14:22 that “we MUST through MANY TRIBULATIONS enter the Kingdom of God.” And so every believer is promised afflictions, trials and tribulations by the Word of God, even though we are additionally promised that God will deliver us out of them all. Indeed it is for good reason that we go through trials. The Bible says we (believers) are grieved by various trials for a little while WHEN NEEDED, as a means of TESTING THE GENUINENESS of our (precious) FAITH to see if, when tested, our faith will be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom we love even though we have not seen. (see 1 Peter 1:6-8). And so Jesus forewarned us that in this world we WILL have tribulations. (see John 16:33). But He added that we should be of good cheer and not let our hearts be troubled, because He has overcome the world. We who believe in Jesus Christ have also overcome the world with Him. (see 1 John 5:4-5; 1 John 4:4). Hence, we need to have an overcomer's attitude whenever we encounter trials or adverse circumstances. It is only by faith in Jesus' finished work that we can keep our hearts from being troubled. Paul, walking in faith, said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (see Philippians 4:11). Then he added, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12 NIV). And that secret is to set your mind on things above, set your mind on Jesus Christ who is your strength and your life, and know that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (see Philippians 4:13, with Colossians 3:2-4). On another occasion Paul again said that “our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (see 2 Corinthians 4:17). Hallelujah! May you wax strong in faith. Remain blessed.
To learn more, order my glorious book, "Spirit Life"
No comments:
Post a Comment