The Other Side of Faith

Man Protected by the Shield of Faith
by Maarten van Heemskerck, 1559
Man Protected by the Shield of Faith
by Maarten van Heemskerck, 1559
Image in the Public Domain

The Other Side of Faith

There is something really quite persistent in God’s Word that by virtue of its ubiquity we should not take lightly. Perhaps you know what I’m going to say that persistent something is. If you guessed “faith” then you win a prize…I really don’t have a prize for you but I can tell you this, ALL of God’s Plans hinge on Faith and no one is exempt. No one can exchange ANYTHING for faith. Well, let me modify that, a bit. You can substitute something for faith but you will not be successful. It is, honestly, the most difficult lesson to teach…and learn. Human beings are doers. I think we suffer from having really good imaginations. We can convince ourselves of just about anything. We see something in our way and think we can move it; no matter what it is. And, you know, not helping matters is the fact that, on the face of it, we’ve done a pretty decent job, so far. We’ve put together some pretty magnificent things. We’ve solved more than a few human-besetting problems (we’ve caused probably more than we’ve solved but stay with me). Humans have raised great cities and cured diseases and visited space and many, many other things. We are honestly the most successful species we know of. We “work” through our troubles. We “charge” toward our enemies. We “clear” our obstacles. Doing is what we do. Believing is not.

(Isa 55:8)  For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
(Isa 55:9)  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Now, God does not say “Don’t do.” Let’s just make sure that’s clear. God doesn’t say action has no place in His Plan. This isn’t part of the lesson but I just want to make sure you’ve got that straight before we get to the point. God is not advocating you sitting around, waiting for Him to do all the building, planting and harvesting. “Doing” has its part to play but God wants you to know that “acting” is NOT superior to believing and in some things “working” will have no effect whatsoever. The details of all of that is for another time. This lesson is focused on the “believing” part.

In this ministry, we talk a lot about faith. You’ve heard us argue, from God’s Word, that faith is a commandment (1 John 3:23). God expects you to believe and like everything else, God has a very good reason for that. You see, there is something about faith. It has immense power. So much so that it would appear from Scripture that without faith God cannot (or will not) intervene into the lives of men. Jesus confirmed this when He lamented that “A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house”. (Matthew 13:57) The original infers that His own people did not value who He was. They didn’t see Him as the One brought to save them and because of this unbelief, “he did not many mighty works there”. (Matthew 13:58) The lack of faith among the Israelites prevented Jesus from performing “mighty works”. The Amplified Version of the Bible says “works of power”.

Faith is the key to unlocking God’s power. There is no explanation in the Bible as to why this is, but it is clear, your faith in God will release His presence and power in your life. Yes, Faith saves. We all know that but faith also helps. When we need God’s power, the key to unleashing it is faith. This is not a “Prosperity Gospel” message. The power of faith is not released for your sake but for His. Can I ask for healing for myself? Yes, because you believe He is a healing God and in your healing He will be glorified. Can I ask God to help me with my bills? Yes, because you believe He is your Father and He will provide your “daily bread” and demonstrate to the world that He is true to His promises. When you are safe, secure and provided for you will show that God can be trusted. It always comes down to faith and that is why it is so important to God. Faith can do so much not only for the Kingdom but for us. That is what I call, “The Other Side of Faith”.

Join us, please, as we discuss the vitality and power of faith. In this episode we investigate what faith can do for us beyond our Salvation. This is a very important topic and it’s essential that, before you begin the lesson, you go to God in prayer and ask for His assistance in opening up His Word to you so that you can apply it to your life and calling.