In Christ

How Faith Works – Most Christians will agree that we should have faith, but ask them exactly what faith is and they may not be able to explain it. Last week I pointed out Hebrews 11:1 from the New Living Translation that "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about the things we cannot see.” We can only have faith in someone actually carrying through with their promise when we know that person very well and can rely on their integrity.

In Mark chapter 11:22 Jesus said "Have faith in God.” Another way of saying it could be "Have the faith of God.”

Jesus then went on to show us how faith works. "Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the sea! And does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]. Mark 11:23-24 (Amplified Bible)

Faith works by what we believe in our heart and what we say with our mouth! This is how we are born again. (see Romans 10:9-10) This is also how Jesus accomplished things. He spoke to the fig tree and it withered up. He spoke to the storm and it calmed immediately. Jesus also spoke to Peter and told him to "come” to Him on the water. Peter was actually able to walk on the water for a time because he trusted in Jesus enough to step out of the boat! But what happened when Peter started looking around him at the big waves? He started to sink!

This can be one of the main reasons why our faith does not work. One reason is that we are not walking in the commandment of Love. Another main reason is that we start looking around us at the circumstances... and we begin to sink!

Base your faith always on the promises of God in His Word (the bible) because He cannot lie! Then don't doubt! Just because circumstances may not look good, doesn't change anything. Keep believing what God promised!

In Mark chapter 5 it tells the story of the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. She had used up all her resources and was growing worse. "She had heard the reports concerning Jesus, and she came up behind Him in the throng and touched His garment. For she kept saying, If I only touch his garments, I shall be restored to health.” Mark 5:27-28 (Amplified Bible)

What a classic example of the God kind of faith! She heard about Jesus and His healing power, she was determined to receive, and she kept saying what she wanted the end result to be, based on the reports about Jesus! Jesus didn't claim it was because of His healing power she was made whole. No! It was because of her faith she was made whole!

God gave us His kind of faith... When we use it we can expect victory! Let's be determined to use it!

Submission by Pastor Rena Mae