Flesh Vs. Faith

August 29th, 2023

by Bro. Duane Marshall
08/29/2023

Hebrews 11:1 - “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

I don’t know about you, but there are times I struggle with my faith. When God seems like He’s distant and the answers do not come, I feel like He is sitting on His hands. Especially when there’s no healing; yet I know He can heal.

My walk in faith has had its share of disappointments. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. Who am I to shake my fist at God and demand an answer when He kept silent before Job, who lost everything (Job 1-2)? So come with me, and let’s take another look at this spiritual necessity we call faith.

WHAT IS FAITH?
It’s a strong belief in hope, not something that we hope will happen, but as Romans 4:18 illustrates, “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.”

Abraham’s hope was based on a sure expectation of the word promised. He did not have the backing of a local church or the institution of the temple. In fact, the Bible had not even been written yet because Moses wasn’t born. All that Abraham had to rely on was what he heard from God.

WHEN DO WE GET FAITH?
Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When we are fully persuaded then faith takes over. Romans 4:21, “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

Our faith cannot be based solely on expectations. It may not be the outcome we want, but does it please God to answer our specific prayers?

Here are some of the world’s philosophies on life.
1. “If you look good and dress well, you don’t need a purpose in life.”- Robert Pante
2. “The true profession of a man is to find his way to himself.” - Herman Hesse
3. “Someday I want to be rich. Some people get so rich they lose all respect for humanity. That’s how rich I want to be.” - Rita Rudner

Did you notice how many personal pronouns are in these people’s philosophies? In our walk of faith, it’s not about us in this journey it’s all about Him.

HOW IS FAITH USED?
I can think of three reasons:
1. To strengthen our fellowship with Christ. Abraham never gave up believing, even though he never saw the fulfillment of God’s promises to him.
2. Faith reveals our answers to prayer.
3. God uses our faith to bless others.

If you’re a little weak in faith, try this prescription: read two chapters from the Bible and call on Him in the morning.