Faith is one of the key principles we are given in the New Covenant. If we go to Hebrews, we have a clear definition of how God defines faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). Very simple explanation but one of the most challenging principles to grasp. We are instructed to believe in something we don’t have. Whether it’s healing, finances, car problems or any other problem we encounter in our busy lives. God has a promise for all our needs. Health problems? By His stripes we are healed (Isa 53:5). Finance or car problems? God will provide all your needs (Phi 4:19). We know these scriptures by heart but it’s when we don’t get the blessing right away our faith will be put to the test. When we are tested we just have to draw a line in the sand and hold on to hope. We can never lose hope (Pro 13:2). Hope is the foundation of faith. Faith is the foundation of God’s promises. This process called faith can be exhausting but we must keep it together no matter how hard times get. It took Daniel’s prayer 21 days to be answered because of hindrances in the world (Dan 10:12-14). God hears our prayers the first time we pray and from there we have to persevere no matter how hard things become. The harder it gets the, closer and bigger the blessing you are about to receive. We have to learn to shut our brains off and listen to the Comforter within you. Let’s put on our Jesus playlist and worship the Good Lord and know that God is faithful and will protect us against the evil one (2 Thess 3:3).
Now that we know God’s definition of faith we can go back to the Good Book and get clear instructions on how to obtain faith. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”. How do we hear the Word of God? Technology gives us some of the easiest options. There are Jesus podcasts available on all smart phones. Bible teachings we can stream online. We have Gospel channels on TV. We have church services available a few days a week. The most important way to hear the Word of God is to read our bibles on a daily basis. This is how you will build a first hand relationship with your Heavenly Father. All other options are great but they are second hand experiences. They are intermediaries to the Father. Someone can describe an amazing experience in full detail and you can use your imagination to picture that experience and you can even get stirred up inside. But that doesn’t compare to being the person who actually experiences that first hand experience. Don’t deny yourselves those firsthand experiences. You will be amazed when you read your bible. The first time I read when God told Moses he is “I AM WHO I AM” I almost jumped through the roof from excitement (Exo 3:13-14). This was a mic drop moment that totally caught me off guard and got me excited about reading the bible. There are countless mic drop moments that God will reveal to you when you read your bible.
Hearing the Word of God continuously throughout the day will increase our faith and will allow The Comforter to guide us through our tribulations. Let’s read our bibles daily, keep our minds set on God’s Word through music and bible teachings so God may prepare us for the road ahead of us. God is good.
Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Isaiah 54:5 NKJV But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Philippians 4:19 KJV But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 13:2 ESV Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Daniel 10:12-14 NIV Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
Romans 10:17 NKJV So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Exodus 3:13-14 NIV Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”