The Character of Faith
Hebrews 11:6 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. (NLT)
Faith is the decision to step out of our own 'self-knowledge' and deny it's claim on a finite reality. (Acts 9:1 & Acts 9:20) Faith is about the supernatural ability to change the facts as they stand presently (Matt. 9:22). Faith is sustained in prayer, meditation, and the study to know God, and the desire to take Him at His Word (Heb. 4:2). Faith requires a positive attitude and a firm commitment, no matter the logistics and reasonings our own mortal mind will engage in to try and hold our attention to an unfavorable outcome (Luke 18:27). Faith does not deny the current facts or the unfavorable outcome, but faith does take a stand against the facts and the outcome to embrace God's truth. Faith is committed to what God has promised. Faith is the condition of our hearts, to the possessing of God's promises. Our need to believe God and take Him at His Word must be what persuades our faith. Otherwise, our feelings will do their best to persuade our faith. The decision lies with us. God gives faith, but we do what we must with the faith that He gives us. He gives everyone 'the measure' of faith (Rom. 12:3). Nobody gets more faith than another person (unless a person is given the 'gift of faith' by the Holy Spirit). Faith requires obedience to God in all areas pertaining to the 'need' (Luke 17:14). God is not moved by our needs, He is moved by our faith (John 5:4-9). We do not try our 'faith' in an unfavorable situation. Faith will try us. The proving of our faith moves God's Hand to bring about the reality of His promises in our lives. Faith requires that we immobilize or suspend our doubts and disbelief (Mark 11:23). Faith knows that we are not able, but we are available because He is able. Faith demands our imagination to be at work with God and His promises (Phil. 4:8). Faith demands that we take action and that we speak aloud what God has promsied (Rom. 10:9). Faith requires us to fight against all natural reasonings and the facts of the current unfavorable conditions. However, at the same time, faith is not illogical to the natural mind. Everyday, there is faith being exercised by human beings in a myriad of ways. Faith is an extension of our beliefs. Faith goes further than just believing. Faith will always involve change, even when that change is unseen with our eyes or not sensed with our senses. Faith requires constant renewal (since the carnal mind is not attentive to hearing God). Faith requires that we close our natural eyes, ears, tastes, and feelings, while at the same time we open our supernatural eyes, ears, tastes, and feelings. Faith remains committed to God and His Word, no matter what the outcome might appear to be. Though faith does not rely on experience, experience can enhance our faith (John 20:24-29). Faith does not require proof, but proof will many times, require faith as a precedent. Change is inevitable. We can be the 'victims' of change or we can be the 'beneficiaries' of change. To become a victim of change, we do nothing and allow nature to take it's course. To become a beneficiary of change, we exercise our faith daily to bring about a positive change in a negative or stagnant situation.
