Jesus People: A 6-Day Devotional by Danny GokeySample

STAND IN FAITH: What’s Faith got to do with it?

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”  Hebrew 11:6 NLT

Scripture tells us that without faith it’s impossible to please God. We are also told to “fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12 NASB), and see Jesus saying “Your faith has made you whole" (Mark 5:34 KJV). But do you ever wonder why faith is so important to God? 

Faith is so important because it is evidence of a right understanding of who God truly is. The opposite of faith is unbelief, which comes from a wrong understanding of who God is. Believing rightly about God will draw you closer to Him. If you believe God is good and has great plans for your life, you will run to Him. But, if you believe God is a killjoy, wanting to harm you and make life miserable, then you will run away from Him.  

So why is this so important? It’s important because we live in a sinful world and oftentimes our experiences will look and feel a lot different than the way we think life is supposed to look - what it seems that scripture says should be true, even. 

BUT faith is the grounding force that helps us keep believing God’s Truth in spite of the facts. This may sound contradictory, but it’s not. For instance: The facts may say you have cancer, lung disease, chronic pain, etc. The Truth says because of Jesus’ wounds, you are healed (Isaiah 53:5). The facts may be you don’t have enough money to pay all of your bills, but God’s Truth is He will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 NASB). It’s not a denial of the facts, but it IS a recognition and declaration of what God says to be true.

I will stand in faith (eyes on You)

Walk by faith (for my breakthrough)

Live by faith (before You move)

I believe, I believe, I believe

Stand in faith (eyes on You)

See by faith (for my breakthrough)

Receive by faith (before You move)

I believe, I believe, I believe

No matter how bad or difficult things may seem or feel, we have the choice to see things differently by realigning our hearts and minds to the truth of God’s Word. When we choose to believe, it opens the door to receive and walk in all that God says about and has already given us.

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today.”  Exodus 14:14