The Hebrew writer states, “But without faith
it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He
is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)
Throughout the word of God, we see examples
of those who did not please God due to their lack of faith. We remember the
Israelites that were sentenced to wander in the wilderness till death because
they did not have faith that God could give them the Promised Land. The
Scriptures state, “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief”
(Heb. 3:19).
We can see very clearly that faith is
essential to a successful Christian life. We certainly go through times when
our faith in God is tested. We want to ensure that we endure these tests and
walk away from them fully pleasing God. This begs the question, “How can we
grow in the faith?”
First, we grow in faith through the word
of God. Paul wrote, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God.” We read in God’s word of His people going through all types of
trials and tribulations. They overcame all these obstacles through their faith
they had in God. In fact, the Hebrew writer references them as that “great
cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). They serve as our examples that when we
follow the path they did, we too can please God through our faith.
Through the word of God, we read of over
three-hundred prophecies concerning the coming of Jesus. As we read through the
gospels, we see the fulfillment of each of these prophecies made. The more we
read and understand these miraculous fulfillments, the more our faith in Jesus
grows.
Second, we grow in faith through answered
prayers. As the church was in its beginning, Peter had been put into
prison. James was just killed by Herod and Peter was next to die. However, the
church was offering up constant prayer to God on Peter’s behalf (Acts 12:5).
Peter was released from prison by an angel sent by God. He came to the home of
Mary where prayer was being offered. God answered the prayers of His people
quickly and with undeniable power.
We can think of times when we have seen our
prayers answered firsthand. We do well to think about these times, the
obstacles we faces, and the adversity we overcame through our faith in God.
This aids us as we will continue to face new obstacle in the future. Our God is
still with us and still answers our prayers.
Faith is certainly essential to our
spiritual health before God. As we continue to study God’s word, our faith in
Him will grow. When we remember all the good things He has done for us and the
prayers He has answered, our faith will be well-grounded in Him. Consequently,
we will be able to endure in life and be ever pleasing to our God.
God
bless each of you,
Eric Hicks
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