The God Kind of Faith – Part 1 of 3

Written by Johnny Israel

johnny@cityroompress.com

The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him (the Lord).” Often I am ask about faith, what it is, and how to use it to overcome circumstances we are confronted with, especially for physical healing, finances, marital issues, including issues with our children.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…” Notice it says faith is a substance (essence) of things hoped for. In other words, faith is the basis of what we believe. The Word says, “Let us draw near (to God) with the full assurance of faith…) Is faith more than conjuring a positive mental attitude?

When you, by faith, accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, your spirit was instantly regenerated a new, or born again. The old man of sin perished, the new man, your spirit, was made whole. At that moment, the Holy Spirit took permanent residence inside your body. Your body now houses the Spirit of God along with your regenerated spirit (the real you). When this happened, God imparted to you “a measure of faith”. In other words, a small portion of faith was imparted to your spirit man, the real you.

So if I have faith, then why do I struggle with faith, you may ask? It was your spirit that was made new at the time of your “new birth, not your mind. The mind is where in warfare between faith and doubt. For instance, your mind still retains the same me thoughts, and holds onto the doubts and fears before you were born again. The Apostle Paul said in Corinthians 2:10 “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus…” How is that possible?

The first step to building faith is reading the Word. God’s Word not only encourages us in our circumspect walk with Him, it is the foundation to building up our faith. Again the Word says that when we pray, we are to remind the Lord of His Word. His Word says “We are healed by the stripes of Jesus.” When sickness attacks our bodies, we remind the Lord that we are healed by His stripes. The Word also says, “My God shall supply all your need according to the riches of His glory.” In financially difficult times, we remind the Lord it is He that meets our financial needs accord to His riches.

God is not short concerning his promises. The promises of God are “yes” and “amen” to the believers. As we study the scriptures, faith is imparted to our heart. The inspiration of the Word builds faith. When we pray the Word it is our communication of faith to a loving Heavenly Father that is eager to answer our prayers.

The first step to getting a measure of faith is accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That leads us to step two, faith comes from hearing the Word (studying the Word); and step three we pray the Word. As we do so, faith becomes alive in us.