Faith That Rests on God's Word
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
Faith is fundamental to our relationship with God. Everything we have received in Christ has come to us through faith, and the Scriptures teach us that the just shall live by faith. However, it is important to understand that biblical faith is established upon what God has said. Faith is not the ability to convince yourself that anything you desire must happen. It is confidence in the character, promises, and faithfulness of God as revealed through His Word.
When the Bible says faith comes by hearing, it reveals the importance of our exposure to God's Word. The more we come to understand what God has said, the more we have a foundation upon which to believe Him. For instance, when a believer understands from Scripture that God cares for him, he can approach his circumstances with confidence rather than living under constant anxiety. When he understands the promises of God concerning wisdom, he can pray with the assurance that God is willing to give wisdom to those who ask Him.
Faith also influences our actions. A person who believes God's Word should be willing to respond to it. Noah's faith moved him to prepare an ark, and Abraham's faith was demonstrated through his willingness to obey God. In your own life, there will be moments when believing God requires you to take responsible steps despite uncertainty. Do not allow fear to become the final authority over your decisions. Give yourself to studying the Word, and allow the truth you discover to strengthen your confidence in God's faithfulness.
Prayer
Father, strengthen my faith through the knowledge of Your Word. Help me to trust Your character, believe Your promises, and respond to Your instructions with obedience, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Confession
My faith is established on God's Word. I trust His faithfulness, I refuse to be governed by fear, and I walk confidently in obedience to Him.
Further reading: Hebrews 11:1–8, Mark 11:22–24, James 1:5–8.