Ask most Christians what faith is, and they will tell you that it is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Well, this is how one can tell that faith has been exercised – it strengthens and makes more solid the invisible hopes that pull us forward. It is the evidence that the invisible promises of God are real. But, practically what is it? How can I grow in it?

FAITH:  A type of belief.  Belief in the principles set  forth in God’s Word. This type of belief FORCES me to ACT in accordance to a growing picture of God’s principles lived out. Action driven by growing hope=actively picturing the rewards God has promised that will soon be. Faith built by hearing God’s word and asking, “so what” “given that truth–what manner of man should I be?”

If obedience bubbles out of me then it doesn’t need faith. Faith is needed when I feel unworthy, terrified that I’ll lose all, too weak to do it, and I’m sure it could never work in the reality of my situation, everyone (even Christians) will think I’m crazy or even wrong.

Why do I obey when I am so troubled at the thought? Because I owe him. It is only reasonable to yield my body parts according to his principles in action, even if I fear the loss of all but him.

I obey because I see that his way could be no worse that my way. I yield my body members slaves and instruments by moving them according to my limited, but growing, picture of God’s principles in action.

Lastly, having obeyed, I rest leaving the results to him, thank him for the opportunity to obey. I trust that, in the end, having done it his way has to be best. I refuse to connect my worth sense of power and security to the outcome. I see my self as successful because I obeyed not because of any result or lack thereof.

LORD, I LONG TO PLEASE YOU WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT FAITH. I HAVE FAITH, HELP ME WHERE MY FAITH IS WEAK AND FALLS SHORT.