But he prayed for nothing except life, courage, cunning to meet all issues.”
–Zane Grey (The Lost Wagon Train)
“So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'”
–Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV)
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We know that it is “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV). We also understand that “without faith it is impossible to please Him…” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV). So we see that faith is important in obtaining salvation and living for God.
However, there is that aspect of faith that we find in James: “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26, NKJV). We are saved by grace through faith, and then we must use our faith to produce works. I’ve borrowed some thoughts from Vine’s Expository Reference Edition Bible that I am going to use in reference to the faith that we should have. I am just changing the format from paragraph to bullet.
“Faith must work; it must produce; it must be visible… It must inspire action… James integrates true faith and everyday practical experience by stressing that true faith must manifest itself in works of faith.
–Faith endures trials. Trials come and go, but a strong faith will face them head-on and develop endurance.
–Faith understands temptations. It will not allow us to consent to our lust and slide into sin.
–Faith obeys the Word. It will not merely hear and not do.
–Faith produces doers.
–Faith harbors no prejudice…faith and favoritism cannot coexist.
–Faith displays itself in works.
–Faith is more than mere words; it is more than knowledge; it is demonstrated by obedience; and it overly responds to the promises of God.
–Faith controls the tongue.
–Faith acts wisely. It gives us the ability to choose wisdom that is heavenly and to shun wisdom that is earthly.
–Faith produces separation from the world and submission to God.
–Faith provides us with the ability to resist the Devil and humbly draw near to God.
–Faith waits patiently for the coming of the Lord. Through trouble and trial it stifles complaining.”
Should I dare ask if you have faith? Remember, everyone is given a measure of faith. As believers we are to use our faith; we are to grow and demonstrate our faith.
To live by faith is not blind, for we know in Whom is our trust. Living by faith is making choices in the light of God’s Word. In fact, the best word to describe faith is that of being faithful. Faithful obedience to God’s Word is a facet of faith.
As we wait patiently for the return of the Lord, we must live a life of faith. It might be good to read of those of Hebrews 11. Read of men and women who lived a life of faith (i.e., Fanny Crosby, Smith Wigglesworth and others). Money will not get you through the days ahead; career will not see you through the hard times–it is by faith that we live.