Anything less than faith is sin. If you lack faith, it is because you don't fully trust God and His Word. This inability to believe God is probably the sin most common to God's own people.
Faith is a gift (Ephesians 2:8,9; 1 Corinthians 12:9). It comes to you and grows within you as you receive God's Word (Romans 10:17). Although your faith may be small, as the tiniest of seeds, it can move mountains.
What Scripture Says
"So Jesus said to them, '...for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from there to there, and it will move: and nothing will be impossible for you'" (Matthew 17:20)."So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans l0:l7).
"That whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:15).
"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
"To another faith [is given] by the same Spirit..." (1 Corinthians 12:9).
"...knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified" (Galatians 2:16).
The Importance Of Faith
God requires us to have faith in order to be saved or to receive any other gift He provides. You already have faith. You just need to exercise it.Knowing God's character can help you confess His Word with confidence. God is loving, faithful, kind, good, merciful and holy. He keeps His promises and will prove Himself faithful in our times of need.
If you still have problems believing God, remember that you can live by the faith of Christ. He is full of faith and He is faithful. In fact, He has enough faith for all of us. Just ask Him to help you in your unbelief and He will.
Maybe your confession (the words you speak) needs an overhaul too. Remember that God's promises are "yes" and "amen." In the Kingdom of God, everything is positive. In Satan's realm, everything is negative. Satan is a liar and a deceiver.
Rather than being concerned with the devil's lies, focus on the promises of God. Confess that God's Word is true, just as you confess the Lord Jesus to receive salvation (Romans 10:9,10).
Remind yourself of the faith-building experiences that have taken place in your life and in the lives of others. In so doing, God will increase your faith. It is also important to seek a church where people believe God and His Word. This, too, will help you build your faith.
Finally, ask God to give you the gift of faith and answers to your prayers. Believe that He will do it. Praise and thank Him for it. When you offer sacrifices of praise, God will minister to you in your need (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 22:3; Romans 8:28).
As your faith grows you will experience more of God's powerful intervention and wonderful presence in your life! Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
