“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1, KJV
Sometimes, particularly while I’m reading the Bible, I wonder just how strong my faith really is and how can I measure it. What ruler can I apply? I have to admit I am not anxious to have my faith tested as were the Apostles. Is there a painless faith-o-meter I can use? I mean, I’d really like to know if I am getting a passing grade BEFORE schools out… for eternity!
Is true Faith a towering unassailable monolith, a fortress perhaps; or is it to be known as a beautiful, fragrant and tender garden to be carefully nurtured and cared for each day?
Once elsewhere, definitely not here, I read a plea for healing prayers from a person suffering from a serious and chronic affliction. Among the people who offered prayers was a earnest person who offered up a prayer and then declared the petitioner was now healed in Christ’s name.
The original petitioner wrote back, that he appreciated the prayer, “but was still waiting for the healing”. At this point the person offering the healing prayer became notably upset and accused the afflicted person of not having a sincere faith or they would now be healed. Further, their illness was directly a result of a “lack of faith”. Then things quickly went “south” and I don’t think God was glorified in the exchange that followed.
In scripture we read:
“But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” And at once the woman was made well.” Matthew 9:22, NASB
Some people read this verse as meaning “if you’re not healed, you didn’t have enough faith” and they point out this verse to prove their point, but was Jesus really saying that it was the woman’s faith that healed her, or was it her faith in Christ that then allowed God to heal her?
Does the amount of faith we possess, the lack or strength of it, determine if we will suffer, have disease or troubles in our lives?
Is this a promised benefit of faith?
We read:
8 “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1: 8-9 NSAB
Then the true hoped for blessings of faith is not an relief from earthly suffering, but instead that faith brings us to salvation and assures us that our salvation is secure.
Please, share some of your own thoughts on Faith brothers and sisters.
God be with you all.
Sometimes, particularly while I’m reading the Bible, I wonder just how strong my faith really is and how can I measure it. What ruler can I apply? I have to admit I am not anxious to have my faith tested as were the Apostles. Is there a painless faith-o-meter I can use? I mean, I’d really like to know if I am getting a passing grade BEFORE schools out… for eternity!
Is true Faith a towering unassailable monolith, a fortress perhaps; or is it to be known as a beautiful, fragrant and tender garden to be carefully nurtured and cared for each day?
Once elsewhere, definitely not here, I read a plea for healing prayers from a person suffering from a serious and chronic affliction. Among the people who offered prayers was a earnest person who offered up a prayer and then declared the petitioner was now healed in Christ’s name.
The original petitioner wrote back, that he appreciated the prayer, “but was still waiting for the healing”. At this point the person offering the healing prayer became notably upset and accused the afflicted person of not having a sincere faith or they would now be healed. Further, their illness was directly a result of a “lack of faith”. Then things quickly went “south” and I don’t think God was glorified in the exchange that followed.
In scripture we read:
“But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.” And at once the woman was made well.” Matthew 9:22, NASB
Some people read this verse as meaning “if you’re not healed, you didn’t have enough faith” and they point out this verse to prove their point, but was Jesus really saying that it was the woman’s faith that healed her, or was it her faith in Christ that then allowed God to heal her?
Does the amount of faith we possess, the lack or strength of it, determine if we will suffer, have disease or troubles in our lives?
Is this a promised benefit of faith?
We read:
8 “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1: 8-9 NSAB
Then the true hoped for blessings of faith is not an relief from earthly suffering, but instead that faith brings us to salvation and assures us that our salvation is secure.
Please, share some of your own thoughts on Faith brothers and sisters.
God be with you all.
