Words by our Priest-in-Charge:
Spirit of Faith
‘And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak’ 2 Corinthians 4:13
To receive freedom from God, in whatever area in our lives, as promised by God, we need not only to desire it, but to believe in it. Faith, is not passive. It requires us to respond, with action. However, beware. Actions we take may be prompted but faith, or fear.
A perception by many who do not know the difference between faith and fear, is that fear stirs up and is therefore useful to stir faith. Not true. Faith is not stirred by the use of fear—faith is stirred by God’s Word.
What did God say?
What do I believe about what He said?
Have I embraced HIS words and
do I trust Him completely?
Listen. Fear produces more fear but faith always produces peace of heart and mind. There can be no mistaking the two. Fear produces something frantic no matter what words you use; faith speaks full expression of shalom—the peace that comes from being whole. That means that the things the Lord has entrusted to me I am able to steward, keep, advance, and express, as though the LORD were doing it, not me.
Faith begins where the will of God is known. We all need to know what we believe and then we need to live it. We also need to articulate the faith that results from our beliefs and lifestyle. Test everything: Does what you say produce faith, or fear? Other people are not edified by exhaustive terminology that amends the Word of the Lord; rather, simply, speak the Word.
Discipleship is critical, maturity is easy to spot, and the spirit of faith speaks.
(Adapted from Shirley Weaver’s Devotional)
To continue to walk in the freedom that God brings, we need to continue our walk in the Spirit of Faith.