"1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for. 3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." -- Hebrews 11:1-3
Faith is the most important thing to a Christian, next to love. Our faith is our foundation (1 Peter 2:4-6). It saves us (Romans 5:1-2), sustains us (1 Kings 17:13-16), rejuvenates us (Hebrews 4:1-5), and carries us when we cannot carry ourselves (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). Evelyn Husband, the wife of the Columbia Shuttle Commander, Rick Husband, illustrates all these points very well. Since the death of her husband, Evelyn has been very outspoken about how God has carried her through her grief. In a recent interview printed in Today's Christian Woman (see it here), she said, "I can make it through this crisis because what I believed about God in my head now has proven true in my heart". What an example of faith!She has made her faith a part of everything she is. We should make our faith a part of everything we are as well. As we grow in faith, we grow as Christians. Ironically as we grow as Christians, we also grow in faith! We are supposed to live by faith. Our faith should resonate through every fiber of our being. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. However, with faith, and by faith, we can overcome anything and accomplish anything.
Prove it!"14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." -- James 2:15-18Many people think that by stressing works, James contradicts Paul here. However Paul and James actually compliment each other, not contradict. Paul, too, tells us of the importance of expressing our faith and doing good works:
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." -- Galatians 5:6 "7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." -- Titus 2:7-8Even Peter was onboard. He too stressed doing good deeds so that we may set an example for unbelievers:
"11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." -- 1 Peter 2:11-12While it is true that we are not saved by what we do, and that we will still be saved without and deeds, as "one escaping through the flames" (1 Corinthians 3:15), or just barely, we need to ask ourselves, "Do I want to just barely make it into Heaven?" Do you want St. Peter to tell you, "Well, you made it, ummm, here is your map, enjoy Heaven." Or, do you want them to be excited when you arrive? Wouldn't you like God to say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)? We should be storing for ourselves treasures in Heaven, not just sitting around waiting to slide by.
Also, think of this: what kind of witness will you be for the Lord if you live your life to just "make it by"? The answer, quite frankly, is a bad one. That is why it is imperative that we act out in faith. We need not only to prove to the world that we are Christians, we need to act out in faith, or express our faith through works, so that we can win them over. Words just will not do it. Some people can be convinced, sure, but most people will need to see your faith in action. It's the old, "talk the talk and walk the walk" scenario, only much more important. By demonstrating our faith to the world, we will bring glory to God and, more than likely, souls to God as well.
You actions and your works will not save you, but they just may save someone else.
Acting out in faith, demonstrating our faith, proving our faith is extremely important. The reason is two-fold. First, it brings glory to God. By doing good works, we set an example. Some one once said, "you are the only Jesus some people will ever see". By acting like Jesus and doing good works we bring glory to His name. Once we set the example, and show our faith to the world, we will be able to bring people into the light. By walking the walk, so to speak, the world will have no doubt the Lord is God and we are His. As such, it will be much easier to witness to them and win souls over for God.
Impossible! Or Is It?
Not only do good works need to come out of our faith, but by faith, we can accomplish great works. Jesus told His disciples, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20).
King David was a good example of this. Before David was a king, he was just a lowly shepherd boy. However, he was a lowly shepherd boy with great faith. During one of the battles between the Israelites and the Philistines, a giant named Goliath issued an open challenge to the hero of Israel. However all the Israelites cowered in fear at the man's presence, hiding whenever he came out to issue his challenge. David recognized that Goliath was not defying Israel, but God. As such, he had faith that God would defeat the giant. So strong was David's faith, that he accepted the challenge. Everyone, from his brothers to King Saul, scoffed at him, but look at his reply:
" 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." -- 1 Samuel 17:36-37Rejecting the king's armor and weapons, David then went out to meet Goliath, carrying only his staff and sling. Goliath was furious at David and let out all sorts of curses against him. David's response is another great illustration of the faith he had in the Lord:
"45David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands.'" -- 1 Samuel 17:45-47Sure enough, God delivered Goliath right into David's hands. With one stone, David hit Goliath right between the eyes and killed him. Out of David's faith a great work was accomplished.
Another man of great faith, who accomplished the impossible, is Elijah. He was the last prophet of the Lord, the sole remaining man who stood up for God, and he went up against 450 prophets of Baal, armed with nothing but his faith. He met them on Mt. Carmel and issued them a simple challenge. One prophet of the Lord verses 450 prophets of Baal. Each would call on their own god and the one who answered was God. After the prophet of Baal failed, Elijah called on the Lord to have fire come out of nowhere. Elijah knew that God would answer (which is why he set up that challenge), and answer God did:
"36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: 'O LORD , God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O LORD , answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD , are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.' 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench." -- 1 Kings 18:36-38Not only did God answer by providing the fire, but that fire burned a thoroughly drenched offering, wood, stones, dirt and gallons of water surrounding the altar. By faith, Elijah accomplished an impossible feat.
Finally, for an example of something that was truly impossible accomplished by faith, we will look at three young Israelites carried off to exile in Babylon. The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, had erected a huge golden statue and commanded everyone to worship it. These three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused. The were brought before the king and ordered again to worship the statue, threatening to throw them in a fiery furnace if they did not. This is where their faith shines bright:
"16Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'" -- Daniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had absolutely no doubt that God was able to save them from the fire. Notice also, that their faith in the Lord was so strong, that even if God chose not to save them they were willing to die rather than reject Him. This made the King so furious that he had the furnace made so hot that the men who threw them in there were killed from heat.
Just like David and Elijah before them, God rewarded their faith. Not only were they saved from the fire, but there was not so much of a hint of fire or scorching anywhere on them or their clothes! That in and of itself is worthy of discussion, but there is more. By acting out in faith, ie. defying the king for their faith, they won him over for the Lord:
"28Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." -- Daniel 3:28-29Not only did their faith accomplish the impossible, but by acting out in faith, they were able to win over the world (Babylon) and bring them into the light. In the same way, by acting out in faith, Elijah won back the Israelites. They had rejected the Lord for false gods, but by Elijah's act of faith, they saw that the Lord is the only true God.
"12I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." -- John 14:12-14God will grant us what we ask for in faith, but sometimes He requires that we take a leap of faith in order to get it. When I was getting ready to get off of active duty, I was praying for a job. I did not have much time…five months from when I started the process until my release date, so I was searching and praying and searching and praying." 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -- John 15:7-8
"24Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. 25Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God." -- John 16:24-27
One day God told me that He had a job for me in Mississippi, but He wanted me to take a leap of faith and move down here first. Well, I heard that and then asked God for a job. I told Him I would move anywhere He wanted if He would provide me with a job. God told me to move to Mississippi and He would provide me with a job. I asked God to provide me with a job and told Him I would move anywhere He wanted. God told me He had a job for me in Mississippi, I just needed to move there to get it. Well, I asked God to provide me with job and again He replied that He had one for me…all I needed to do was move there. After about two weeks of consternation, prayer and discussion with my pastor, I decided to have faith and move my family to Mississippi.
I have to be honest that was a very difficult decision. I did not want to just up and move, I wanted to have a job ready for me to move to. God, however, wanted me to up and move. He had the job ready, but I had to move first. Sure enough, three days after we arrived I got a phone call for an interview. We had not even found a place to live yet, and already I was being called for an interview! The interview went well, and a week after being release from active duty, I started working at my current job. I asked the Lord for a Job in the Name of His Son. I stepped out in faith, and true to His Word, God provided a job for me!Our faith saves us , sustains us , rejuvenates us , and carries us when we cannot carry ourselves. We can accomplish great things through faith and by faith. The Bible is full of promises concerning faith. It is also full of examples of how those promises are tried and true. Our faith must not be kept to ourselves. It should be shining and active. We need to act out in faith, so we can bring glory to God. Doing so helps Christians and non-Christians alike. Christians will see an example and see live proof of how God is true to His Word. Non-Christians will see God in our actions, and may "see the light", and be won over for the Kingdom. Our faith is an integral part of our lives, working with us and through us to help us grow and better serve our Father in Heaven.
**************************************-- Todd Uebele