Living in "faith" is tough work but blessed work
There are many times in life when faith seems to fly out the window. Sure, you may have committed your life to Jesus but does your life reflect that at each moment? Or, are you like most followers of God that are infected with a human heart, flesh and self that must constantly be kept in check? If you are breathing then the answer is obvious ... we sin and miss the mark. We sin and act in the flesh and not faith.
As God-followers it is great to know that the system isn't held together by our faith alone. True, our faith is a great component and needed to serve and satisfy God (Hebrews 11:6) but it is His faithfulness that is vital. Without God's faithfulness the entire structure of our "faith walk" is compromised. Without the faithfulness of God we would be left guessing about the truth and His will and ways.
The tension presented by faithlessness on our part comes from the challenges of life. Our faith may be questioned when we hear disturbing news, a bad report, take offense or are wronged. The result of our faithlessness manifests in a multitude of ways that may include anger, selfishness, pride, rudeness, revenge or improper thoughts/speech. No matter how our faithlessness manifests it is a distraction to the will and work of God. The end result is that we usually act out in the flesh and leave faith behind. Living in faith requires an appreciation that God is faithful and that He desires for us to be the same. Our ability to be faithful is a character trait we have inherited from God (Genesis 1:26-27). Our ability to ditch our faith is inherited from created man (Genesis 3). Therein lies the tension. We have the ability to be faithful and to be faithless. However, Our Redeemer, King and God can only be one thing ... FAITHFUL! Living in faith also requires open communication with the One named "Faithful and True". Revelation 19:11 states this about Jesus Christ, "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war". You see, God truly cannot help Himself but to be faithful! It is His very Name!
As we communicate with God about life we must realize that He will fulfill on every promise He makes. He is thus a healer, a deliverer, a provider, a comforter, mighty, loving, kind, pure, and the Prince of Peace! As we pray in faith, we pray with faith in the One who is what He says He is. Our faith must engage to release the bounty of Heaven. Conversely, if we deny God and attempt to do life on our own He is nonetheless faithful and will allow us to choose sin. This is why our scripture for today also states that "if we deny Him He will also deny us". These are strong words that should cause conviction and challenge in our wayward hearts.
Friend, God is faithful. We may act faithless at times but know this ... He is not fickle ... He is faithful! No matter what you face in life God will be faithful through all of it. It may involve health, finances, relationships or any life domain but God has the answer and it is through His faithfulness. As God followers we need to acknowledge the faithfulness of God and allow Him to minister to every need for His is ready, willing and able. So, as much as possible, live in faith and tap into the faithfulness of God! |
