It seems many want to have a faith-filled life and are in search for the perfect formula to get them there. We all love the follow these five steps and you will succeed approach. Some try to mimic those who have lived a lifetime of faith, but for some unknown reason it never seems to pan out as they hope. Of course, there are the TV, radio and podcast personalities who seem to have all the answers, and yes, formulas to make it happen. Don’t forget the love offering, otherwise it may not work. Okay, here’s a simple truth about faith formulas: they don’t work. That’s not the way faith operates. And no, this blog is not about to offer another recipe. It’s simply time to get real.
But if you really want a formula here it is: you simply have to live it. You have to be in an honest relationship with God. You cannot live through someone else’s; it has to be yours. It is important to understand each of us are designed to have unique relationship with God, which means everyone’s walk is going differ from all others. Sure, there are similarities and biblical principles that apply to all, but not everyone is going to experience the same things in life. Each of us are wired differently, and that means ABBA, Father is going to deal with each of us in distinct fashion. Children teach us this principle. Have you ever noticed one child requires a different form of encouragement or discipline than another? Their personalities are not the same, which means how you connect to each one will have to be tailor made. Here is an absolute truth about faith: apart from God, there is no such thing.
People might take certain risks and call it faith; but that’s not faith. A textbook definition is assurance, firm persuasion, or conviction by inward certainty. Biblically, Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Therefore, faith is the substance or foundation, the essential nature or essence of the thing hoped for, the evidence or proof of things not seen by the natural senses. Or simply put: the unseen reality. By the way, hope is not wishful thinking, it is a positive expectation from God. Which means, faith requires trust in Him. Secondly, Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). And that means if something is to be of faith, hearing from God must first take place. This goes back to the beginning principle: faith requires a relationship with God. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith (see Hebrews 12:2), which means He is our Example to follow. While on earth, Jesus was in constant communion with Father. He spent a lot of time alone with Him. Perhaps this is a sticking point for some: faith will call upon you to endure. Of course, endurance relies on faith in God.
1 Peter 1:6-9 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (trials): That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Everyone can have a walk of faith if they decide. The precious few who do, are those who made the decision to come in agreement with God, Who in all actuality, did the rest. Don’t look for the formula; look to Him and just do it!
