Essential

Faith IS!
Terry R. Baughman

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJ).

The currency of the Kingdom of God operates on the faith exchange. Believing produces incredible returns while a lack of faith produces spiritual bankruptcy. Faith is that essential ingredient in our relationship with God that makes all things possible, and without it, nothing is possible.

Great faith produces amazing results. Numerous times in the Gospels Jesus commented on the great faith of some individuals and scolded others (often His disciples) for having no faith. The apparent lesson is that great faith is possible and attainable, and a shortage of faith currency should be avoided. 
Coming into Capernaum, Jesus met a centurion who intreated Him to heal his servant. Jesus agreed to come to his house and heal the servant. However, the Centurion asked only that Jesus would speak the word of authority and he believed the healing would be done. Jesus marveled at this confession of faith and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8:10 NKJ). The great faith of the Centurion was commended by the Lord. 

On another occasion a Canaanite woman (a Gentile) requested healing for her daughter who was severely demon-possessed. Jesus stated that His purpose was to come to the lost sheep of Israel, but in her humility and faith she captured the attention of Jesus and gained the miracle she sought. Jesus said, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire” (Matthew 15:28 NKJ).

On the other hand, Jesus condemned those who refused to believe or were lacking in faith. He addressed the people who should have believed Him as being a “faithless and perverse generation” (Matthew 17:17 NKJ). Even His disciples were scorned when they were fearful of losing their lives in the storm on a boat. They awakened Jesus in desperation and He asked them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26 NKJ). 

The implication is that faith is essential, we must have it. A lack of faith should be avoided and our intent should be to seek more faith. The potential is there, the possibilities are endless, and the promises are unchanging. We know faith is available, so seize the moment and grow our faith in the one who moves mountains, raises the dead to life, and calms the troublesome storms. All things are possible in Him.

It is not that God is placing an impossible challenge before us. Rather, He has given to everyone a measure of faith. It’s not something to be earned or anything difficult to achieve, but readily available and given when we simply accept His Word and believe His promises. It is His desire to give us the kingdom … all we must do is believe and approach Him in confident faith. 

Theme passage:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJ).