As Christians, we all encounter those moments of quiet prayer, a burning desire planted deep within us. Maybe it’s a call to spread the Gospel, a longing to help others, or a whisper to pursue a seemingly impossible dream. But then doubt creeps in. How can we achieve this when the path ahead seems shrouded in uncertainty? That’s where faith becomes our guiding light. It’s the unwavering trust in God’s plan, even when the road ahead is hidden. “Unwavering Faith: Achieving the Extraordinary”
The Bible defines faith as believing in things you cannot see (Hebrews 11:1). It is trusting in God’s promises even when things are difficult. Faith is a gift from God that helps you develop a relationship with Him. By strengthening our faith, we can overcome challenges, achieve our goals, and live a life that glorifies Him.
The question isn’t whether we have faith, but how can we exercise it and make it work in our daily lives.
Let’s look to three inspiring stories from the Bible that not only showcase the power of faith but also provide practical takeaways on how to put it into action:
Abraham: Stepping Out in Faith
In Genesis 12:1-4, God calls Abraham to leave his comfortable life, his family, and his homeland, and travel to a new land that He will reveal. Here’s the catch: Abraham doesn’t know where this new land is! Despite the uncertainty, Abraham didn’t hesitate. He trusts in God’s promises and embarks on a journey of faith.
Throughout his life, Abraham faces many challenges – hunger, war, and even the potential sacrifice of his son Isaac. But his faith in God never wavers.
How can we apply this? Like Abraham, we might be presented with opportunities that require us to step outside our comfort zones. Maybe it’s a chance to share our faith with someone new, a nudge to volunteer at a local shelter, or a career path that feels daunting. Exercising our faith means taking that first courageous step, trusting that God will guide us and provide for our needs.
The Centurion: Faith Like a Mustard Seed
In Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion approaches Jesus and begs Him to heal his paralyzed servant. Now, this centurion wasn’t Jewish, and Romans typically looked down on Jews. Yet, the centurion approaches Jesus with remarkable faith. He tells Jesus that He doesn’t even need to come to his house, but that a word from Jesus will be enough to heal his servant. Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith and heals his servant.
The centurion’s faith teaches us that belief doesn’t require grand gestures. The Bible uses the term “little faith” to describe doubting God’s power or promises, and this can lead to fear and hinder answered prayers (Matthew 8:26). Sometimes, all it takes is a mustard seed of faith – a small but unwavering trust in God’s power. Exercising our faith can be as simple as a silent prayer before a difficult conversation, a prayer of gratitude for a small blessing, or simply holding onto hope when all seems lost.
The Woman of Canaan: Persistence Pays Off
In Matthew 15:21-28, a persistent Canaanite woman approaches Jesus and begs Him to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus initially ignores her, but the woman doesn’t give up. She pleads with Jesus, saying, “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Jesus is impressed by her unwavering faith and heals her daughter.
The Canaanite woman shows us that persistence requires Faith. Prayer isn’t a one-time request especially when it involves interceding; it could be for our leaders, as seen in [1 Timothy 2:1-4], or even a friend. it’s a continuous conversation with God.
Exercising our faith means holding onto our beliefs even when we don’t see immediate results. It means continuing to pray, trusting that God hears us and our answers are sure. In contrast to “weak faith” mentioned in Matthew 17:20, great faith signifies complete trust in God, even in challenging situations. This unwavering belief unlocks God’s blessings and empowers us to achieve amazing things.
Faith is a powerful force that can transform our lives. It allows us to believe in the impossible and achieve the extraordinary. By following the examples of Abraham, the centurion, and the woman of Canaan, we can learn to exercise our faith and live a life filled with hope and purpose.
Have you read the books “How to Make Your Faith Work” and “How to Pray Effectively” By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome? These powerful, effective, and insightful books lead you on how to Pray Effectively and make your Faith work and it’s very much available for you here.
Remember, faith is a journey, not a destination. There will be times when our faith is challenged, but by relying on God’s word, staying true to our beliefs, and putting our faith into action, we can overcome any obstacle.
Let us all strive to live a life of active faith, trusting in God’s plan for our lives.