Faith Comes by Hearing

Weekly Overview:

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is the undercurrent of everything we do as followers of Jesus. Without faith we lose all that Christ died to give us while here on earth. It is by faith we access the peace, joy, guidance, love, and purpose that comes from restored relationship with our heavenly Father. As we seek an increase in faith in response to God’s faithfulness this week, may you experience a greater depth of intimacy with your living, Almighty, and loving heavenly Father.

Scripture:

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

Worship:

Faith is Rising by Jonathan and Melissa Helser

Devotional:

Romans 10:17 says, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Scripture offers us every truth we need to live a lifestyle of faith. Within its pages are powerful stories describing the miraculous works of a God who remained faithful to a people who chose pride, selfishness, and rebellion over his perfect, loving ways. And it contains incredible moments where God’s people responded to his faithfulness with faith and were greatly rewarded.

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, “My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” The desire of God for you and me is to be children filled with his life-giving words. God longs for us to experience the joy, purpose, and peace of faith founded on his word. He longs for us to live our lives with Scripture as a constant source of hope when the world seems to be crashing down around us.

For a long time, the Bible bored me. I knew I should read it so I would try and make some time here and there to read a little bit. But it felt more like an assignment than an encounter with the powerful words of God. It wasn’t until I began to read Scripture as an avenue to connect with God and have my life transformed that I began to enjoy it. As I began to allow God’s word to fill me with faith to live differently, I discovered the power of the Bible. When I used Scripture as a way to learn about and connect to the heart of my heavenly Father, my desire to read it grew to the point of overflowing.

Scripture has the power to lead us to a different way of living: the way of faith. Stories like Abraham and Isaac should guide us to trust the promises of our God. Stories like Israel and the walls of Jericho should lead us to act on God’s word and leadership in faith that he will move in powerful ways to destroy our seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus should guide us to a life of service to our God who would give up everything just to have restored relationship with us.

May your faith be stirred today in the reading of Scripture. May the pages of God’s word guide you to a lifestyle of trust, hope, and surrender. And may you experience the joy of living by faith in response to your God’s amazing acts of faithfulness.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the ability of God’s word to fill you with faith.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

“My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22

2. Where do you need faith today? What problem or obstacle seems insurmountable before you? Where do you need hope and joy?

3. Meditate on Scripture in reference to your need. Find a story that will fill you with faith for the problem set before you.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:1-5

The story of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14:28-33 serves as a great example of life lived in faith and in doubt. May we be a people who live in full faith and stand on the unshakable truth of God’s word.

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Extended Reading: Romans 5

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