Operating in Faith

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 ESV

Do you know that we operate on faith every day without thinking about it? There are many examples, but I’ll only give one. For instance, I’m currently sitting in a chair at my desk writing these thoughts. When I sat down, I didn’t think twice about whether or not the chair would hold me up. I had faith that it would. After all, my desk chair has always done its job. Consequently, I’ll go through my day having faith in many things I don’t even think about.

A person doesn’t have to be a believer in Christ to exercise this non-spiritual kind of faith. It comes naturally and helps us maneuver throughout the activities of our day, and this life.

Now spiritual faith is a different thing entirely. Christians know what and Who the object of our faith is. We have experienced faith becoming real in our lives. In my case, I was 12 years old when I committed my life to Jesus Christ. At that moment spiritual faith was born in my heart through the presence of the Holy Spirit. I was a babe in Christ, but I was His. Praise God!

It takes a lifetime to grow in our faith because God is always working through life’s varying circumstances. Our faith is made stronger through both the good and hard times we experience. Romans 8:28, one of my favorite scriptures tells us the following, “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Not some things, but ALL things. Our faith should propel us to lean closer to Him through everything we experience in life. If we do, we will find a deep-down peace that surpasses our own understanding.

As we move forward each day, let us pray that God will use the faith He has implanted in our hearts, to love and emulate Jesus more than we did the day before, for it is God’s constant work in us that changes us for the better.

I’m so thankful I can call on Jesus 24/7. He’s as close as the mention of His name. Like my desk chair, a non-spiritual object, He is the spiritual object of my affection. He will always hold me up, love me, support me, forgive me, and help me to live out His plan for my life. He will do the same for each of you. All you need to do is ask.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are the object of our faith. Please help us to daily live in such a way that others will see Jesus in us, which is our greatest desire. Forgive us when we fail to exercise the faith You have already given us. We trust You to strengthen us as we travel through our daily walk of life. I pray these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.