Understanding faith

This is what true faith looks like; it understands that faith is encapsulated by God’s mercy and without His intervention we would remain dead in our trespasses and our sins. It is not proud nor arrogant, and it must be driven by a heart of truth so that it may stand the test of time. It is imperative not to shy away from rebuke where and when it is needed. But above all, our focal point must remain fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. I apprehend the urgency and importance of my conviction. However, by design, it’s testing to step out of the way and allow Him to take hold of the reigns, it’s foreign to our characters because we love to be in control. How do I know that this is where we really get tested, you needn’t spend too much time reading through the beloved Word of God before that becomes rather obvious, however until we are in a similar predicament it will only ever remain theory. Consider our great Saviours example… It’s one thing to read a manual from cover to cover but quite another thing all together to do the required work needed. Until we come face to face with the tailor-made tests of faith in our lives, it will only ever remain between our ears as head knowledge.    

Unbelief the antithesis of faith. Here is the gist of it all, put off the test of faith in our lives and we will find ourselves in a hurt of pain. If in fact we have been called by name to put on the mind of Christ. This is one of the greatest lesson I would say that I am presently being taught and it would be amiss of me not to lay it on. Everything, and I mean the whole enchilada that keeps you from this objective is your enemy and not your friend. I believe the perfect will of God is found here (our total dependency upon Christ which requires true faith). “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

There may come a day when you will have to face the ultimate test, die or live on the back of what your hold dearest to your heart. Martyrdom is not a new phenomenon. Through the pages of time God has require those whom have glorified Him in this fashion. But this is a very high calling and not many will be martyred for the sake of the cross, amplifying the work of Calvary. Yet there has been that call for some, a minority whom God has handpicked. Those counted worthy enough to glorify their God in this fashion. Without true God given faith this would become an impossible feat being the ultimate test. Whatever we find grace for in this life will not be without its benefits in the next. The rewards that will be ours, those who lose their lives for Christ’s sake in each and every area of our lives.

If your faith looks something like this; a bigger house, faster cars, braided hair and costly clothing, then I am sorry to say, that this speaks of those who are lukewarm, or you may not even be saved. What does the Lord teach us about His thoughts on those who are habitually coma stated in a lukewarm condition? With a mind-set that because I believe it, it will happen, is faith of a different sort and it has been influence by the enemy. Faith is a dependency on God’s Word. If God has declared it, it will come to pass. This is where we have to learn to live. A great question we could ask ourselves to see how close we are to living with God given faith as our rudder would be living an existence of denial for the benefit of those in need. It’s only when I ask myself the tough questions do I realise how far I still have to travel.

 It’s all about the Holy Guide, when we doubt the written Word, we now walk in unbelief. Did you know that the Christian has been called to a life of suffering? “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3) - A good way to examine our understanding of faith, is when the pressure is on, how do we respond? But it should never be for selfish gain, that’s greed disguised by “so called faith”. With a roof over our head, clothes on our backs and a basic meal in our stomachs is where we have to find gratification. And then even that may be tested. Why? Christianity is rather like marriage, “until dead do us part, in sickness and in health, regardless of the tests, will we remain faithful to our God?  

These are just a couple of thoughts I have had when considering God’s view on the topic. It has once again realigned my understanding of what faith needs to look like in my life. It needs to remain faithful, regardless of the trial. In fact it is the actual trial that proves our loyalty to our God. Death the final test! Yet within all those test, God’s mercy often revitalizes our struggle and brings relief for our ailing flesh. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s important to comprehend our own understanding on faith. Bless His glorious name now and forever more, Amen and Amen!

Signing off

Tyrone