One of the key principles that we have discussed in our last two posts to help us claim the promises of God in 2020 is making a resolve to live by faith. But what does it mean to live by faith? And, would you classify yourself as one who lives by faith?
Living by faith is a question that every believer needs to be able to answer because God has instructed us to live by faith. Faith is so important that without it there’s no pleasing God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Also, God says “The just shall live by faith”, four times, in four different books of the Bible, in both the Old and New Testament (Romans 1:17, Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38 and Galatians 3:11)
That says something, right? It is clear that God wants to make sure we get it.
So, if living by faith is so important, how do we do it?
1. We Should Live by the Word of God
Sometimes we see things about God based on our circumstances and experiences instead of what the Bible really says. But Scripture encourages us to “walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
The children of Israel had to walk around Jericho 7 times by faith, not by logic or reasoning. They had to live by the Word from God, not their perception of how unreasonable the command of God might have seemed. So living by faith means living by the Word and obeying it no matter how illogical obedience might seem to us.
2. Count Things as Though they Have Already Happened
God’s word tells us that living by faith is living as if things have already worked out.
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Romans 4:17
We are to believe in the promises of God in the Spirit, believing that God will bring His promises to pass.
This is not a health and wealth, prosperity gospel, but rather a belief in what God has already promised that He would do.
Jesus asked when he returned, would he find any faith? (Luke 18:8)
When the Lord gives us assurance that he is going to do something by faith, it will happen.
We have to listen to the Holy Spirit and His will.
George Mueller was a fantastic example of this as he sat with his children at the orphanage and thanked God for breakfast that wasn’t on the table or in the cupboards. During his prayer, a knock came on the door. The visitor was there with the groceries…and the breakfast…that they had just thanked God for providing.
Ask in His will.
Matt 7:11 says, If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
3. Think Right
Negative thinking will always produce negative outcomes. Now and again we suffer from negative thinking because we mix God’s words with the world’s value system.
Thoughts are vital. What we think we do, and then we become.
”For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:” (Proverbs 23:7).
What have you been thinking? It’s important to watch your thoughts as they have the power to sway you toward a direction you shouldn’t go (If they are wrong thoughts).
Think on things that lead you to the action or behavior you want to achieve.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8).
Look for Part Two of How to Live by Faith Next Week!
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