Faith and the Word 

By Pastor Jeffrey Smith 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrew 11:1

We often trust too much in what we see, feel, hear, and read in the natural. Faith looks beyond the natural and it helps us to see what God is showing us from His perspective. Faith becomes the evidence of God’s direction, intervention, or presence in a situation. 

So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

Faith comes when we truly hear God’s word and set our hearts on understanding the truth. For example, the Bible says “whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." (Mark 11:24)  Many people pray, but not many believe they will receive the answer to their prayers because their faith is not based on God’s truth.  When we understand the word of God, we receive a revelation of God’s intentions and promises for our lives. In turn, we step out and take action that is aligned with God’s will.

Jesus boldly described a life of audacious faith to his disciples:

 
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they[will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-17

The life of the faith Jesus described in this passage is not one of weakness, but one that is passionate and effective. Faith gives us the ability to partner with God and experience His power at work through our obedience.  Divine signs follow those who live by faith and it produces results.

I want to challenge you to read the Bible daily. Allow His truth to shape your mindset and positively impact your relationships. When the odds seem stacked against you, declare His promises over your life.   Boldly share His love with those who need to hear it,  and pray with confidence for those who need healing or encouragement. You are called to divinely impact the earth for His kingdom.