Living by Faith
ICS Daily Devotions
As Christians, we are called to live by faith—faith in God’s promises. All of us know this truth. Oftentimes, however, we are unsure of what it means to live by faith and what it looks like in practical, everyday life. First, we must establish what faith is.
Hebrews 11:1,6 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen…. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Faith is a wholehearted trust in what God has said, even when we have not yet seen it come to fruition. The foundation for this faith is anchored in a right understanding of the true character of God, which is testified of in His Word. It is the Word that gives substance to faith, because we know that God is absolutely reliable and will honour His Word. He doesn’t change His mind or lie to us once He has spoken to us or promised something in the Bible. He and His Word are one, and He will make good what He has promised to us; we can, therefore, be convinced and immovable. This is evident in God’s plan of redemption. He fulfilled His promise to Abraham to send forth the Messiah through the Abrahamic covenant. It was an unconditional covenant where God swore by Himself to bring it to pass. The same is true for all His other promises. Nobody can add to or annul them once God has promised. God’s promises are always “Yes” and “Amen”! (2 Corinthians 1:20).
We began our faith walk by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, who has wholly redeemed us by His blood from the wrath of God, but we need to continue to live by faith as a part of the body of Christ and His bride while waiting for His second coming, which will come like a thief in the night without notice and warning. We will only inherit God’s promises through faith and patience, because without faith it is impossible to please Him. Because we know Christ will return, and He will judge the world, we are to live our daily lives as though Jesus will return anytime, honouring God with the time we have, being strengthened by faith and assurance of God’s promise.
Many people lose heart when they do not see any changes after praying or succumb to the pressures of tribulation and afflictions. They have given up living by faith in God. However, we need to pray in all circumstances while waiting for Jesus’ return, be persistent in prayer, and never quit. Praise God that we have victory in Jesus Christ because He has disarmed principalities through His work of redemption. We can enforce His victory through prayer and the authority given to the church.
Sermon Series: Do not lose heart, but always pray until something happens
