Look at the legs of a chair next time you are ready to sit down on it. Ask yourself if the legs will hold you up or if the chair will collapse. Chances are this is not your normal routine before taking a seat. Without thinking about it, we sit down and expect the chair to hold us up. Everyone puts their faith in something, even if it is only the ability of a chair to hold their weight. What is faith? And how does it affect our lives? Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the real evidence of things that are not yet seen. If these things are not yet seen, the inference is that they will be seen. Solid evidence is the backbone for winning a court case. Lawyers need to find real evidence to prove their case and win. The jury is instructed not to determine an outcome based on opinion or doubtful circumstances. Even so, our faith in God will bring about things we hope for; it is the substance of what we hope for that produces results. Substance is real and tangible, not mental imagery. True hope does not waver or doubt God’s Word; it remains steadfast. “I am counting on the Lord, Yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His Word.” Psalm 130:5 We often use hope as a wish, but spiritual hope is a confident expectation of receiving God’s covenant blessings.
In the book of James, we learn that faith without being accompanied by works or action is dead or fruitless. Clearly our actions must prove that our faith is real. So, what we hope for is undergirded by our absolute confidence in Christ’s ability to bring things to pass miraculously. Knowing this, the devil tries to steal our hope and rob us of God’s blessings. He tells lies to plant doubt in our hearts. He wants us to believe that God is not always good. If we doubt God’s goodness and grace, the devil gets a foothold. Those who are aware of the enemy’s schemes will only become more determined to confidently trust in the Lord. That is not to say there isn’t a struggle while we stand in faith during our troubles. Yet, if we continue in faith and trust God, He will work supernaturally on our behalf. Our circumstances don’t dictate an outcome; our faith and trust in God’s Word must remain steadfast. “The Lord protects those of childlike faith. ” Psalm 116:6 The Bible tells of a woman who was sick for twelve years and went to many doctors. None of them helped her, but she refused to give up. In her pain and suffering, she spent all her money to get well. This woman still did not accept her suffering by telling herself that it was God’s will for her to be plagued with disease. She believed that if she touched the Healer’s robe, she would be delivered. One day she crawled through a crowd to touch Jesus’ garment. After twelve miserable years, the woman had faith for her healing and believed she would receive a miracle. Jesus felt healing power go out of Him. He saw her and said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” Luke 8:48 She was made whole and well. The famous Healer, Jesus, also healed a blind beggar and said, “Go your way. Your faith has healed you.” Mark 10:52 Jesus’ authority is extremely powerful. The man was so excited that he could see, and he worshiped the Lord. God loves to do the impossible in our lives when we put our faith in Him. And God Almighty receives all the glory!
Jesus’ miracles were so astounding that crowds brought their sick and dying to Him for healing. His reputation preceded His arrival into town. Every manner of disease was subject to Jesus’ power and authority. “Whatever their illness and pain, or if they were possessed by demons, or epileptics, or were paralyzed, He healed them all. Large crowds followed Him wherever He went …” Matthew 4:24-25 These people saw the power of God firsthand and were amazed. Even the dead were raised! Childlike faith will change your life. Jesus came to heal and restore those who have been oppressed by the devil. Yet scripture also records that in Nazareth Jesus could hardly do any miracles, and He marveled because of the people’s unbelief. Mark 6:5 Doubt and unbelief greatly limit Jesus’ miracles.
The Lord gave believers the power and authority in His Name to do even greater works than He did. He sent the Holy Spirit to baptize believers with life-giving water. “He identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts …” 2 Corinthians 1:22 After Jesus rose from the dead, the book of Acts tells us about a lame man who begged for money. Peter and John saw him, and Peter told the man to get up and walk in Jesus’ Name. He used Jesus’ Name, and authority, and the man began to walk. What a joyful heart he had as he praised God and danced around. Jesus came to set people free from bondage and oppression. Childlike faith is necessary to obtaining the covenant blessings of God in our lives. Faith is the evidence of things not yet seen. Trust God to do things that seem impossible. His supernatural power is greater than any obstacle. You are not alone. Lean on God and know that His love never fails.
You can become a child of God by faith in His Son, Jesus. He died on the cross for our sins. If you confess your sins and believe that Jesus is the Son of God who rose from the dead, He will make His home in your heart. John 3:16 Leave sin and darkness behind and become a new creation in Christ. God will take the ruins of your life and make you whole again. He has good plans for you. Read the Bible and study God’s Word. He gives us wisdom and direction to follow Jesus. It is important to pray and thank God for all that His blessings. We have resources to help you draw closer to God. Get Bible studies that will guide you on your daily walk with the Lord and teach you Biblical principles. Learn how to pray and get results and receive comfort during troubling times. These resources are available online on WFR’s SHOP.
God bless you and keep you in His tender care. The Lord is good; blessed are those who trust in Him. We pray for our friends and partners that God will be their strength and His blessings will abound in their lives.