15 September 2009
How to grow your faith (Part II)
Posted by admin1 under: Spiritual Growth .
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil (Ecclesiates 12:13-14).
It takes faith to keep the commandments of God. It is this faith which makes us belief that God shall bring every work into judgment (Ecclesiates 12:14). This faith comes from the fear of the Lord and believing that God will destroy all who disobey. It is this faith that helps us to strive for righteousness whilst living in this sin sick world. This faith helps us to remember even when we get discouraged, that our righteousness in this life shall not be in vain in the Lord (Revelation 22:11-12).
There is yet another kind of faith, the faith to believe that God will deliver us from our troubles, trials and tribulations, and that God will give us the power to overcome our diverse temptations, our weaknesses and infirmities. All these are possible, but we have to believe. Faith is more than a belief system. Faith will propel us to act on what we believe in, hence Paul writes, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20).
Overall, faith needs us to be patient yet proactive, to persevere hardships , knowing that ” we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed (II Corinthians 4:9). Our faith will help us stand on the promises of God, even in our darkest moments.
This kind of faith, unwavering faith, continues to believe in the goodness of the Lord even when going through tribulations or our situations seem to be beyond repair. The key is to believe and not despair. As humans, we look at the difficulty of our own circumstances. Our lack of faith drives us to believe that if it is too hard for me, it must be too hard also for God intervene.” Is there anything too hard for the Lord? The angels asked (Genesis 18:14). Jesus has answered this question for us, saying, “for with God nothing shall be impossible” (St. Luke 1:37).
When we look at our diverse situations and see the challenges, the hardships, it is easy to give up hope. But if we look at our situations with Spiritual eyes, with renewed faith in God, and his ability to save and deliver, we will realize once again, as many times before that “He has never failed us yet”.
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible (St. Mark 10: 27). Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16), believing that trouble does not last always.
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