Faith in Action

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

As I opened my bible recently, the Lord led me to Ecclesiastes 9. I began reading the chapter and was immediately captivated by verse 5 through 7. The verses read, “for the living know they will die; but the dead know nothing, and they have no reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Also, their love, their hatred, and their envy has also perished; nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun. Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your work.”

There was a tug at my heart as I read those verses because for the past few weeks I have been struggling to walk by faith. It’s something powerful about going through a season of trial because it allows us to apply the word in ways we never would have if we hadn’t entered a time of tribulation. The word of God gives us the choice to decide if we will do what he tells us or not. We all know God’s way is the right way, but it’s the actuality of believing and applying it that ultimately determines if we have faith or not. During a trial, the pressure will cause us to deeply desire relief regardless of the cost, but God always wants us to go through it, so we can come out victorious. The verses in Ecclesiastes brought my heart back to the notion that the reality of being alive is the ultimate gift. No matter what is transpiring in our lives, there is something to be joyful about and merry in. To be alive provides me time to obtain wisdom, knowledge, love, joy and all the other amazing gifts of God. There’s something so wonderful about developing these marvelous fruits; ultimately, we need breath in our lungs to share in all the astonishing things that happen under the sun. As I was experiencing my time of privation, God reminded me through his word that nothing is worth deprivation. Having the gift of breath should always remind me that the storm is temporary and better is always to come, and this is why I must always press forth.  

I’m sure I am not the only person who’s experienced this form of testing. We believers will experience many trials and tribulations, but Jesus informed us not to fret because he has overcome the world, so our peace must reside in him (John 16:33). Fundamentally, it’s about believing what we know to be true in the word. The only way to strengthen our faith is by applying the scripture to our life in the mist of the test and trial. I’m grateful that God reminded me of what’s truly important. I’ve realized that the devil goal is to try to convince us to doubt what God has spoken to us about ourselves and what he wants us to do on the earth. With all the great things we are currently doing and will do in the future for God, he will get all the Glory. The devil doesn’t want God’s children to glorify him in any way. His goals are always to distract us, make us doubt ourselves and God, but ultimately convince us to turn away from all that God is calling us to. This is why faith is so vital. With faith we don’t see right away the reality of what we believe God has told us, but it’s the actual belief that drives us to keep going. Faith allows our hearts to stay soft and our spirit open to God’s spirit to receive counsel and guidance from him. This life is about living according to what God has said in his word, we must do it daily; that is how real transformation happens and that is what brings God Glory. 

God’s word is real and powerful! I’ve learned that true conversion happens when we apply this love letter to our lives Every. Single. Day.