Faith and the Forgotten God
I wrote a study last semester titled Fear, Faith, and the Forgotten God, aka. The Holy Spirit. We learned from that study that if we are going to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will need to grow in our faith.
However, growing in our faith is not an issue as much as what or who we are putting our faith in. For example, we put faith in someone driving a car going 60 mph towards us to stay in their lane. Or what about the faith you have sitting down on that 4-legged chair? Can faith in something or someone change you? I have heard it said, “what we trust to satisfy us, we desire the most, and whatever we desire the most, we obey.” So that’s something to think about.
If we desire something more than we desire Christ, that is a good indication we need to strengthen our faith. And can we believe in God but not have faith in God?
Faith and belief are somewhat connected, but they are not the same. We must believe in something or someone to exist before we put our faith in that thing or person. So if I have faith in someone or something, I am depending on or relying on this person or thing.
Biblically speaking, to have true faith in God and not just belief will result in the way we live our lives. To simplify, I believe Hawaii exists, but I do not live my life any differently because of my belief. But having faith in God means I am trusting God in all things and my life exemplifies living in obedience to God’s leading. Because of God’s unconditional love and faithfulness and how His Word transforms us, we will desire Him greatly. But we must put ourselves in a position to receive His Word and let the transformation begin. So having faith means stepping out of the boat onto the water when Jesus calls. Faith builds an Ark ready for a flood, although it has never rained before. Faith prays. Faith obeys.
Ask yourself, are you fully convinced God exists? If you are, then ask yourself, if you have a faith strong enough to stop living between the cross and resurrection? Do you desire Christ above all things? The power of the Holy Spirit can help us grow in our faith. Jesus told us in John 14;26, “When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative- that is, the Holy Spirit-he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” Therefore, make it a priority to spend time in God’s Word and let Him grow you in your faith. This is not only honoring God but is imperative.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6
