A Christian’s most important step in life is to live by faith through Jesus Christ. This is the very thing that moves mountains and brings joy to the righteous.
Over a couple of days ago, I found myself listening to one beautiful song from Danny Gokey and the title is “Stand In Faith.” It’s very inspiring for any Christian trying to live by faith. The turbulence of life may force any believer to turn his back on God. Dare not make such a dreadful mistake. Take a deep breath…
Oh, you of little faith; who told you life will always be sweet and favorable? Danny Gokey reminded all Christians how faith helps:
• blind men get their sight
• dead men start to rise
• small things multiply
Faith is very essential in every Christian’s life. I have written several articles concerning how God makes the impossible things — possible for those who trust in Him.
Today, I would like to share with you how to live by faith and enjoy the unlimited benefits. Our God is unlimited and so will supply all your needs according to His riches.
Kindly, bear in mind that the blessings and all the glorious benefits we get from God are free of charge. It’s not based on merit. By His grace, you can live and overcome every challenge through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Challenge Of Living By Faith
You might be going through some hardships at this very moment. Good to have you here. Let me help you stay positive and hopeful. The Lord is saying “I am the God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for me?”
In the book of Hebrews, God revealed to us how faith miraculously works in the lives of believers. These scriptures further encourage us to learn from the exemplary lives of Bible characters who demonstrated their faith in times of adversities.
Anything that is challenging your Christian walk is not something you can say is unprecedented. You are not alone and you will never be alone in this. Faith can make a difference and set you on a different path of hope, joy, and restoration.
In the Old Testament, the book of Habakkuk said the righteous will live by faith. Even though pain and suffering will come —but endurance through faith will yield good results in the long run.
“Look, if he holds back, my soul has no pleasure in him, but the righteous will live by faith. ” (Habakkuk 2:4)
We can find almost the same saying in the book of Romans from the New Testament:
“For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17). Hebrews 10:38 also reminds us of the same thing.
How To Live By Faith
How can a Christian live by faith?
If a Christian decides to live by faith, then he should walk in the Spirit and produce good fruits such as patience and love despite any challenge. By your fruit, we shall know the kind of person you are.
It is imperative to prove by the way you live that you are a born-again Christian. John the Baptist once charged the Pharisees and Sadducees to prove by the way they live that they have repented. (Matthew 3:7 – 10) So you can’t just say you have repented and keep on living carnal lives. That means nothing!
Don’t be like those hypocrites who were obsessed with the law thinking they are safe for being the descendants of Abraham and religious by keeping the law.
“The law is not of faith, but, “The one who does them will live by them.” (Galatians 3:12)
It is very clear in the Bible verse above that the law is not of faith. A Christian living today must walk by faith, not sight through Christ Jesus. In Him, we can find all that we need.
However, there would be other challenges but it is worth trusting God and waiting for His promises. If you don’t know how to live a life that shows that you are in the faith, then let me help you out.
In Hebrews chapter 11:1, the Bible gave us the best definition:
“Now faith is being confident of what we hope for, convinced about things we do not see.”
Although we do not see the future faith helps us to trust God. He is a trustworthy God. You shouldn’t be alarmed if things aren’t going through as expected. Because even death, depression, persecution, demons, etc can’t separate us from the love of God. His love and kindness endure forever.
This is a trustworthy promise that should inspire every Christian to keep on living in faith. You have God’s assurance of unconditional love, protection, and most importantly salvation.
Simple Ways To Live By Faith
While we are in the present state —faith gives us a direct vision of the future. Eternal life is the ultimate gift prepared for all the true worshipers of God.
The Holy Spirit has also given us a foretaste of the glory our Lord has prepared for us. So rejoice today and forevermore.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Now, let me share with you some of the best ways to walk by faith, not sight. Below are 4 things that are practical in real life.
1. Welcoming Bad News With Hope
Once in a while, the most unfortunate thing might happen to you. You can think of it; the death of a loved one, broken relationships, divorce, termination of your job, sickness and diseases, betrayals, rejections, etc
It’s very hard to handle situations like these. Welcoming them will take faith that is well-grounded in Christ Jesus. If you are fretful and lack Biblical knowledge about “long-suffering” as Pual stated; you might give up on God and end up blaming Him for allowing misfortunes to come into your life.
God never said rejoice only in the days of good seasons. But He also commands us to rejoice in the days of bad seasons.
As crazy as this might sound, we can’t question the thoughts of God. Because He is omniscient, loving with the perfect plan for His children.
“Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3 – 4)
Every pain you endure on earth points you to the salvation Jesus has purchased with his blood. The joy at the end of all the pains, suffering, fear, etc, would be overwhelming. This is the hope that encourages us to smile at any challenge without losing faith in God.
A lesson from Job 1:20 – 21 gives us an example of how to praise God even when hit by bad news. Job received a message about the death of all his children.
But he did not condemn God or lose hope. Instead, he said, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” This is how faith in God drives believers to respond to bad news or situations.
Interestingly, in the long run, God replaced and multiplied everything he had lost. So with God, nothing is too late. He makes the impossible possible for those who trust Him.
2. Be Thankful Always
God wants us to live in a way that will please him; irrespective of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Have you ever heard of the saying “God first?” Yes, in everything you do, acknowledge God and thank Him before anything else. Make Him your top priority; then all other things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
It takes faith to stand in the face of tribulations and say a prayer —thanking God for your life and everything.
Your negative emotions might plunge you into fear and restlessness — hence making you ungrateful to God.
Practically, it’s very difficult to thank God if you are in distress. It takes the help of the Holy Spirit to pray and thank God when things are falling apart.
The Bible says to be thankful to God even in your darkest days. You will need the Holy Spirit to help you understand that everything happens for a reason. In all circumstances, God works out the best for those who love Him. If that is the case, then you have no valid excuse not to keep on living in the faith.
Take a look at the following Bible verse:
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:19)
Once again, a Christian does not necessarily have to see the good things the Lord has prepared for him. He must always live by faith. God’s promises are numerous to count and each is trustworthy.
Indeed, no eyes have seen, no ear has heard and no thought has imagined the good things God has in store for anyone who loves Him. If you truly trust and love God —then nothing should drive you away from Him.
Habakkuk, a Prophet of God nervously painted the desolation state of the land of Judea during their captivity. Although calamity has befallen them he kept living in faith.
In his unshakable confidence in the Lord for a better future —he rejoiced.
“For though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food; the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17 – 18)
In the 80s Horatio Spafford who went through a traumatic experience by losing his children, business and properties kept walking in faith just like Job.
These are very good examples for anyone wanting to live by faith. He rather thanked God by composing one of the most heart-touching and influential songs in Christian history entitled “It Is Well With My Soul.”
3. Stand On Your Ground
I believe you are not ignorant of the spiritual warfare going on in the lives of every human. Whether you are a spiritual person or not; this battle affects you.
In Ephesians 6:12, the Bible says we are fighting against spiritual authorities. We, therefore, have to put on the full armor of God. In verse 16 it says “and above all, take up the shield of faith.”
So faith is an essential part of every Christian’s life. Live by it and let the fruit be seen by everyone —including non-believers.
The Bible says faith comes by hearing. If that is the case, then be ready to listen to the Word of God at all times. Not just that —but becoming a doer of the word.
By allowing the Word of God to fill you, you become strong enough to stand against the devil and all his crafty schemes.
4. Submit To The Will Of God
Even Jesus, while doing his earthly ministry submitted to the will of God. Once he foresaw the pain of death —it overshadowed him and crushed his spirit —he said prayer allowing God’s will to be done.
My brethren, we serve a God who has absolute power over seasons, time, space, kingdoms, etc, Your part is to believe in Him with unwavering faith.
The Christian life in general is not for sissies. It takes a real man to live by faith and please God.
Are you ready to surrender all your fears, pains, sorrows, etc, to God? If you respond “Yes” then don’t ever doubt God even if you can’t understand why He allowed you to go through the turbulence of life without any sign of help.
It wouldn’t be permanent. This is an assurance from God. Remember, this; “there is time for everything.” And at the right time, God will make it happen in your favor. He has also commanded you to submit yourself to Him and rise against the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7)
Things That Show That You Are Walking In Faith
What things show that you are walking in faith?
The things that indicate that you are living in faith are the fruit of the Spirit which include love, peace, patience… (Galatians 5:22 – 23)
But the fruit of the Spirit is:
• love
• joy
• peace
• patience
• kindness
• goodness
• faithfulness
• gentleness
• self-control
These things will be evident enough for everyone to see that you are living as a true born-again Christian.
Assess your life daily to figure out if you are producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit or not. Always be a loving person, rejoice, have patience, be good and make sure you do what God wants you to do.
You are the light of the world so shine bright at any place your find yourself. Your relationship with people should portray the faith you have developed in the Lord.
If you are walking by faith, you will always be pleasing to God. Nothing will be able to stop you from worshiping the Lord.
Finally, by walking in the Spirit, you automatically crucify the flesh —so you have nothing to do with unhealthy fleshly desires.
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