“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].” Hebrews 11:1 AMP

Since we are on journey of building our faith, I want to take a moment to discuss the hallmark verse on faith.  We often hear this verse quoted in many challenges to action in our Christian life. The word “assurance” used here in the Greek was a term used in the realm of philosophy. It was from the Greek word meaning “the underlying state that is the fundamental realty that is supporting everything else.” The early church Father Athanasius used this word to describe the Godhead. What a beautiful picture of the responsibility of God! It is in Him that all things are held together by the power of His Word! In speaking about Jesus the Apostle Paul penned these words;

“And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]”

Colossians 1:17 AMP

We can rest assured then that it isn’t by our power that faith is activated but rather it is “trust in and reliance on” all the He is! That takes the pressure off us and puts the results totally in His hand. Now, that doesn’t preclude our responsibility to put things into motion! You can have a new car, full of gas and Google Maps tuned in and activated but nothing is going to happen until you put your foot on the gas! So it is with our faith! The Scripture reminds us that,

“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”

Ephesians 2:10 AMP

I believe that many today never experience the power of faith because they never step on the gas! You see, our new life in Christ is the car. The engine which powers it is the Holy Spirit. The fuel that activates it is faith and our “Google Map” is the Word of God! Think about how much you trust things of this world. You believe the car will not breakdown as you take your journey. You believe that the fuel you put in the tank will allow the engine to produce energy, and you believe that “Google Maps” will lead you to your ultimate destination! How much more God and His Word!

If your Christian faith is not applied practically, you have not yet understood the full reality of your new life in Christ! Look at the life of our Savior. He talked about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, feeding the poor, and visiting the sick and imprisoned all to the glory of God! I propose that the depth and quality of your love for and faith in Christ should be revealed in the service that you render to others! It is through a combination of love and service that faith is cultivated and strengthened! If the love of God has been spread abroad in our hearts, we then should be the expression of the love to those in need around us. Remember,

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”John

13:35 AMP

Prayer Promise for Power – Faith

Thank you, Lord, that my faith is the fuel for my life and Your love and faithfulness the motivation to see it manifest in my life. (Heb 11:1) I confess that You are the One holding all things together in my life (Col 1:17) and that I am Your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and ready to be used for good works. (Eph 2:10) In all circumstances I will take up the shield of faith by which I extinguish every lie of the devil in my life. (Eph 6:16) I acknowledge that I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I in control of my life but Christ who lives in me so I will choose to live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Gal 2:20) In Jesus name…Amen