The Treasure of Your Faith
by Karen Finn
I heard someone once say that Faith is like a muscle. It needs to be exercised and stretched in order to be strengthened. When faith is not practiced on a routine basis, our spiritual “muscles” become flabby.
Is your faith in “good health”? How sturdy are you, when faced with adversity or discouragement? Are you able to withstand the forces and foes, knowing that your God can move mountains? Here are some suggestions for improving your spiritual condition:
Health Tip #1: Exercising the muscle of faith requires trusting in a Savior for salvation.John 3:16 gloriously proclaims: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” The first step of faith in our workout program is to believe that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, that He was crucified, buried and rose again, victorious over death. It is with an eternal hope we can claim Him as our Savior and know that we will see Him in heaven someday!
Health Tip #2: Exercising the muscle of faith requires trusting in the unseen. Perhaps the most well-known Biblical definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” God desires us to turn to Him for help and direction. Once establishing a personal relationship with Him, it is upon His name that we must call for strengthening. God is patiently awaiting our petitions, ready to supply us with the wisdom, courage and peace in the midst of the storm. It’s tempting to talk to a friend or lean on someone else when trouble comes---but we will never truly understand God’s Will, nor see His power in our lives, if we rely on others for sole/soul support!
Health Tip #3: Exercising the muscle of faith requires trusting in His character.When we acknowledge that God is the source of our dependence, we can expect blessings in return. Our goal should be to please Him, which requires a daily surrendering of self. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “…without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” God sees the heart and knows His children. His nature is kind, loving and abundant in mercy and grace.
Health Tip #4: Exercising the muscle of faith requires trusting in His promises.Our personal relationship with Him will deepen as we see Him act on our behalf. We can endure the trials and tests because we have assurance of His promises. First John 5:14 declares: “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.” Our heavenly Father is our advocate, generous in wisdom and always attentive to our needs. His Word confirms it.
The treasure of your faith is a vital aspect for eternal security. Don’t neglect its application for your life! God has a purpose and a plan for all of us, which requires an attitude of humility and commitment. He is waiting to hear from you!
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