Before someone gets MORE faith or, what I would call a ‘faith upgrade’, one must be certain of a few foundational things about faith. The opening verses of Hebrews 11 tells us faith: ignites belief for/in things not seen (v.1); helps us speak boldly (v.2), allows us to give sacrificially (v.4), will one day bring us into God’s presence (v.5), pleases God (v.6) and, diligent seekers of a ‘faith upgrade’ will be rewarded by God(v.6). A person seeking a ’faith upgrade’ must also remember a prophetic warning that Jesus gave, those seeking to live and lead a life of great faith at times, may not be accepted in their own hometown (Matt. 13.57) and deserted by thought-to-be friends (Jn. 6.66)
The gift of faith (a belief for things not naturally seen or attained) activates miracle working power. If someone is given increased faith to pray for a certain need and, the faith based prayer results in a clear provision from God, the result is a 'faith upgrade' for the one praying and provision for the person who was in need. An unwillingness to step out in faith will certainly delay a ‘faith upgrade’. If someone has faith but does not act on it they have forgotten what James admonishes, ‘faith without action is worthless’ (Js. 2.20). Jesus says, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea’, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says (Mk. 11. 12f.). Miracle working faith begins in the mind but it is released (in obedience) with the tongue (Pr. 18.21). In addition to an unwillingness to act or speak, faith development is also stifled by a suspicious, negative or haughty attitude. If we allow ourselves to be besieged with a negative or suspicious attitude faith will get choked out. These two behaviors, unwillingness to act or speak out and chronic suspiciousness hinder the blessings of God in our lives.
If disobedience or negativity hinder the release of faith what stimulates faith? Humility is the first step in getting a ‘faith upgrade’. A humble person recognizes lack in their life and will ask for help or seek out a person with known success or favor. A continuous humble seeking after God can release a ‘faith upgrade’ (Matt. 7.7). We do well to remember James’ words, ‘we have not either because we do not ask or, we ask with wrong motives’ (4.2). So…why should YOU not have faith upgrade? Today reflect on the following passage from scripture to get your 'faith upgrade' under way, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land”(2 Chron. 7:14).
3 comments:
Great post; I am upraging my faith today!
http://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com/
Faith moves into Hope; faith is incidental and contingent on specific promises of God, whereas hope is the summary body of experiences fulfilled by those faith moments. Something like faith being a cup of cold water given, whereas hope is a well from which it is drawn. So my faith upgrade also moves up my hope quotient. The analogy of faith and hope as substances is limited, I know. We're talking about a relationship, not cubic centimeters of ether. Nevertheless, the landmarks God lays down when specific instances of faith are fulfilled leads us on the road to hope. Looking back on these sometimes gives us powerful encouragement in the next step. But we have to then turn around again and look forward into His eyes before we take it. Let's dance with God as He leads.
I love your blogs and how you talk about religion as if it were one, cause we all need to unite! haha and I like how it’s colourful. Anyways I’m following :)
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