One of the fundamental lessons we encounter early in our Christian walk is that faith demands more than just a superficial belief. It requires a deep, genuine commitment from both our mind and heart. To truly embrace faith, we need to understand that it’s not just about wishing for something or hoping it will happen; it’s about wholeheartedly believing that it will. Jesus highlights this in Mark 11:23 (NLT): “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that doubt is an enemy of true faith. Instead of propelling us forward, doubt pulls us back, making us stagnate and impeding our progress. It’s like trying to move a vehicle while the brakes are on; doubt acts as those brakes, holding us back from the fullness of what faith can achieve.
Faith Comes by Hearing
A fundamental principle of faith is that it operates according to God’s Word. Romans 10:17 (NLT) tells us, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” This verse highlights a profound truth: faith is nurtured through the act of hearing God’s Word. When we listen to the Good News about Christ, we are not merely receiving information but are engaging with a powerful force that can transform us. Every time we have the opportunity to hear God’s Word—whether through reading, listening to a sermon, or engaging in Bible study—our faith is given the chance to be strengthened and grow. This on-going process of hearing and absorbing God’s truth significantly impacts our spiritual growth and solidifies our belief in Him.
Our Relationship with Him
Our relationship with God is everything. It’s not just a part of life; it’s life itself. Our Heavenly Father is both transparent and profoundly loving. He earnestly desires a close relationship with each of us and makes Himself accessible every moment of our lives. Through the work He completed in Christ, God has equipped us with everything needed to live a life of faith. He has provided us with the tools and resources to experience the abundant life that Christ has promised. However, the extent to which we embrace and live out this abundant life is ultimately in our hands. It is our responsibility to actively nurture and maintain our relationship with God, allowing our faith in Him to guide and sustain us. Our daily choices and actions reflect our commitment to our relationship with Him, shaping how fully we experience the richness of life that God offers.
Faith in God’s Promises
Understanding the principle that faith must be placed in God’s promises is vital to a lifestyle of believing and trusting Him and His Word. As 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) explains, “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’ And through Christ, our ‘Amen’ ascends to God for his glory.” This means that every promise God has made is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, which reinforces our faith and helps us live according to His Will and purpose. When we grasp this and place our trust in what God has promised in His Word, it changes how we live and experience His blessings. It’s about believing that God’s promises are reliable and that He will do what He says He will do.
Prioritizing our relationship with God
Having faith in God’s promises requires us to prioritize our relationship with Him. In Hebrews 11:6 (NLT), we learn just how crucial having faith in God is to Him: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” This verse affirms that faith is not only desirable but essential for pleasing God. Believing in God’s existence and trusting that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him are key elements of a relationship that honors Him. It reveals that not only is faith a desirable trait, it is an essential element for pleasing God. Without faith, our efforts and actions are incomplete in His eyes. Believing in God’s existence and trusting that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him are key components of a relationship that honors Him.
We build significant relationships and friendships with other people by spending time with these individuals. Our genuine interest in learning about them and understanding their lives often leads us to spend entire days in their company. During these times, we find joy and fulfillment, never feeling that the hours are arduous or burdensome, because our affection for these people makes every moment worthwhile. God, our Creator and the Source of all blessings, has gifted us with the precious gift of life itself. Given this profound truth, it would be inconsistent and an offense to Him to devote extensive time to nurturing our relationships with others while neglecting to spend quality time developing our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Delighting in the Lord
Psalm 37:4 (NLT) says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” This verse captures an amazing promise from God: when we truly find joy and satisfaction in our relationship with Him, He will fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts. But it’s important to understand that delighting in the Lord is more than just feeling good about Him. It means actively engaging with His Word and aligning our lives with His Will. Just like we build meaningful connections with others by spending time and showing genuine interest, we need to invest in our relationship with God. This commitment helps us experience the full richness of the life He offers and ensures that our desires align with His plans for us.
Understanding and living out the principles of faith is both a profound and extraordinary journey in Christ, but it is also deeply practical. True faith goes beyond merely acknowledging God’s existence; it involves a deep, unwavering belief in His promises and a commitment to aligning our lives with His Word. As we immerse ourselves in the Good News of Christ, our faith strengthens, and we begin to experience the fullness of God’s promises and the richness of His relationship with us. By delighting in the Lord and prioritizing our relationship with Him, we honor God and open ourselves to the abundant life He has promised. Partnering with Him transforms faith into a powerful force that guides us in living out His Will each day, allowing us to experience the true depth of His love and guidance. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Understanding the Principles of Faith”, written by Rev. Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Lizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.