Thirsty Thursdays: Faith WORKS

“…According to your faith be it unto you” Matthew 9:29. This verse came to mind after today's reading. Faith is belief in something that is not proven or is yet to take place. But as stated in James 2:14-26 it takes more than just a belief. An attitude of expectancy is required and there needs to be action put towards those beliefs.

“14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, Go in peace; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17. It is one thing to believe in something, but true faith backs up that belief with action. Do not just hope, it is more than a want. Put forth works in support of what you believe and hope for. One example that comes to mind is from fellow blogger Hannah Spriggs. She applied for a job and had faith that God would bless her with the position. Before finding out whether or not she got the job she went out to eat along with a few others as a celebratory/congratulations dinner. Along with her faith she had an attitude of expectancy, she knew God would bless her and she went out to celebrate and give thanks before the blessing even came to fruition. Her walk with Christ led her to be confident in what he would do in her life. Few days later she heard back from the job and she received a position. “According to your faith be it unto you”.

“21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did…24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” James 2:21-24. Scripture in Romans tells us that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” The more we put God in our lives through things such as reading and studying his word the more our faith will grow and the more we will see him working in our lives. As we want God to move in our lives we should approach each day with faith and hope. Our actions should coincide with our beliefs. Don’t claim to have faith God will deliver you from a situation yet mope around stressing wondering how you will get through it. Give thanks even before it is settled, praise him in advance for what he is going to do. In the song "I Understand" by Smokie Norful he writes a part from the point of view of God saying "I am the Lord, i changeth not, i wont forget nor have i forgot, you see everything works according to my plan, I am God, trust me i have the whole world in my hand". Trust God, lay claim to the promises God has made you. He can and will stay true to his word. He will not abandon you in the midst of your struggles. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He has come to not only give us life but give us life more abundantly.  Remember, all things are possible to those who believe. “Believe in His goodness today and take a step of faith toward the life of blessings God has prepared for you”

“Show me your faith without works and I will show you my faith BY MY WORKS”

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Thirsty Thursdays