Exercising Faith
Everything changed in a moment of time.
Normal routines were shattered.
Plans cancelled.
Chairs left empty.
Concerts unattended.
Bible studies abandoned.
The only thing that mattered was getting to him. Our son lying flat on his back in the ER recuperating from a major seizure. We dropped everything to be by his side. And we found others did the same. Much love surrounded him as friend after friend made their way in to see him. Taking turns. Hugging. Crying. Praying. Bolding approaching the Throne of Grace. Confidently declaring God’s Word.
Our faith gave us access. It helped us stand. It gave peace. It overcame our fears. And as the weeks went on, our faith sustained us through more unknowns. Hospital stays, doctor visits and constant blood tests were part of the journey. But exercising our faith kept us looking up. Our faith had uncovered what had been hidden. And even though we often felt weak and uncertain, our faith gave us hope. Our faith kept us clinging, praying, trusting, declaring. And thanking God every day for medication and improvement, while believing for complete healing. We don’t always have it together but exercising our faith doesn’t mean we do it alone. We depend on God’s grace which not only saves, it enables. It’s how we walk…by exercising our faith.
Read Romans 5:1-3
1. What does “justified” mean to you personally?
2. What do you notice faith also provides?
Read Ephesians 3:12
3. How are we able to approach God?
Read Romans 10:17
4. How is faith produced?
Read 1 Corinthians 2:5
5. On what does should our faith rest?
Because of my faith in Jesus Christ, God sees me “just-as-if-I never-sinned.” That’s justified! Dressed in His Righteousness alone. One translations says that God brought us into a “place of highest privilege” because of our faith. No longer apprehensive to come into His presence, we can be confident in approaching Him. So you see, our faith not only justifies, it allows access into the Holy of Holies. Our faith helps us to wait when we don’t see answers. Our faith helps us to look beyond men’s wisdom or natural experience to rest on the power of God alone. Nourished through the Word of God. Sustained by Truth. Believing even when we don’t see. Holding fast to what we know to be true. Jesus paid it all. And that, my friend, is the truth that holds us together when circumstances can’t.
Being justified by faith is being made righteous, just, holy, and acceptable before God. Then we can have peace with GOD through our LORD – we can have peace. You and I have faith into this grace and it provides us with hope in the glory of GOD – You and I glory in our trials and we know that trials work our patience in the LORD.
Our faith in GOD is produced with boldness and confidence in the LORD. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD – Reading HIS word every day and fellowship with the LORD. You and I are not to look for these things in men – but in the power and faith of our GOD. Another great lesson – Karen – Thank you so much – much to dwell on and think about. I would be totally lost without my early mornings with the LORD and HIS word. HIS word makes us stronger for each day.