Today, I invite you to embark on a journey of understanding faith, not just as a spiritual concept, but as a practical tool for navigating life’s challenges.
Many of us read the Bible as purely a spiritual book…
…I found out the Bible is as practical as it is spiritual.
What is Faith?
Often, when we think of faith, we recall Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” or Hebrews 11:6: “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.” These passages, while profound, only scratch the surface of faith’s depth.
Ahaz’s Story
Isaiah 7:9b:
“… Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.”
I will use the story of Ahaz, as narrated in 2 Chronicles 28 and Isaiah 7, to explore faith from a different perspective. God, through the prophet Isaiah, challenges Ahaz to believe in His sovereignty.
Ahaz, the twelfth king of Judah, faced a tumultuous reign marked by defiance and folly. Despite Isaiah’s counsel, Ahaz sought foreign aid, leading to Judah’s downfall. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale for us.
Ahaz strayed from the path of his forefather David and did not follow the ways of the Lord. He worshipped idols, offered sacrifices, and even sacrificed his own children in fire—a detestable practice. He built high places to burn sacrifices to other gods in every town in Judah, further arousing the anger of the Lord, the God of his ancestors.
When kings from neighboring countries, Aram and Israel, threatened to invade Judah, Ahaz was filled with fear. However, God, through Isaiah, reassured Ahaz with a simple message: “Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.” Despite this divine assurance, Ahaz failed to believe, resulting in defeat and heavy casualties for Judah.
Faith vs. Fear: The Choice is Yours
Ahaz’s story underscores the importance of choosing faith over fear. His legacy serves as a stark reminder that even kings must choose wisely between faith and fear. The statement “unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm” resonates with the essence of resilience and determination. It suggests that unwavering belief and conviction are essential for enduring challenges and maintaining stability.
What Do You Believe In?
The crux of the matter lies in what you believe in and about God. Do you believe that He is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do? Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and money or phone or ‘fill in the blank.’”
You cannot serve both God and money (material possessions).
Our faith is often tested, and it is in these moments that we must decide who or what we truly believe in.
My faith was tested when my son was born prematurely at 23 weeks old, and the doctors gave him less than a 10% chance of survival and insisted that even if he did survive, he would depend on oxygen support for the rest of his life. Today, he is 7 years old and has defied all the odds.
The Bible is filled with stories of faith being tested:
- Despite immense suffering and loss, Job remained faithful to God.
- Abraham demonstrated remarkable trust in God when asked to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac.
- Daniel’s faith was tested when he refused to stop praying to God, even when it meant facing the lions in the den.
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood firm in their faith, even when threatened with death by being thrown into a fiery furnace.
- Ruth’s loyalty and faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, even in difficult circumstances, exemplify unwavering trust.
- Esther’s courage to approach the king and save her people demonstrated her deep faith in God’s providence.
- Peter walking on water: Peter’s faith wavered, but he still took that step when Jesus called him to walk on water.
- The Good Samaritan: This parable teaches us about sacrificial love and compassion. The Samaritan’s faith was tested when he helped a wounded stranger, regardless of their differences.
These stories remind us that faith isn’t just about believing—it’s about how we live out that belief, especially when faced with challenges.
Whether in matters of the heart, personal growth, or overcoming obstacles, faith acts as the bedrock upon which we build our resilience. So, nurture your faith, and you’ll find yourself standing firm even in the face of adversity. Choose faith over fear, and let your faith be the beacon that guides you through life’s storms.
Choose faith in God!
10 practical tips to apply and grow your faith.
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