| | F is for Faith
“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus… For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” Romans 3:22-24, 28
Faith is a word that shows up over and over again throughout scripture. Its use is common among many different groups throughout the world to express loyalty and devotion to something or someone. For us as Christians, Faith is more than just a word; it is bigger than an expression or emotion. Faith is a gift from God that clings to the promises of who God has proclaimed to be.
Yes, there are times that we might use faith to refer to something in this world, but it is when we refer to faith in our Savior Jesus that we experience a faith unlike anything else. As we look around in society the idea of faith is used in many different ways. We might be encouraged to have faith in a particular product. The Chevy commercials come to mind with the theme stating, “Like a Rock” to encourage faith that Chevy’s are tough, rugged, and have longevity. We catch glimpses of faith in politics as people gather supporters during their campaigns and ask them to remain loyal and have faith that they will hold up their promises once elected.
Faith, this idea of loyalty and trust in something is involved in so much of our day to day lives that we sometimes don’t even think about it. We have faith that when we get up the A/C and electricity will be working and that our running water will still be clean. Faith is at the root of many things we take for granted each and every day. So you might be thinking how does faith in all of these settings differ from the faith we have in God?
It is different in that, the strength of our faith is dependent upon the subject of our faith’s ability to deliver on promises. What does this mean? It means that faith is fostered in us by the subject of which we place belief. This faith in things of this world will ultimately come up short of perfection. Our electricity may go out during a storm or through faulty wiring. Water filters must be replaced. The heat outside can sometimes overwhelm even our best A/C units. No product or person that we place faith in will ever be perfect or last forever. But with God, our faith is rooted in Him who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We do not create faith in God but it is fostered by the hearing of his word and seeing his love in our lives.
Our faith in God always clings to the promises he has made. God promises to forgive us of our sin through Jesus death and resurrection and that Jesus will return to take us to be with him forever. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. His promises do not return empty but they always hold up in any test that life may put them through.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you this day for the gift of faith, faith that clings to your every promise knowing that it will always be true. We come to you to find strength for living out our life. You have called us out of darkness and shown us the light through your Son Jesus. Lord, help us to remain grounded in our faith through your grace and mercy that impacts us each and every day. We ask all this in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen
Further Thoughts:
1. What things in your life do you have faith in?
2. Is your faith in God as strong as your faith in worldly things?
3. Where does the power of faith come from? Yourself or the one in which you trust?
Lamar Stewart, DCE
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