“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” - Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

EVOKING FAITH IN CHRIST

“Faith sees the reality of the unseen or invisible, and it includes a readiness to act as if the good anticipated in hope were already in hand because of the reality of God.” - Dallas Willard

When the Word of Christ penetrates every portion of our being, the natural byproduct is faith. This faith is not general wishing, helpless hoping, or immature imagination. It is a faith based on experience that reveals to us the reality of God’s Kingdom.

This faith, delivered to our inner being through God’s Word, provides the roadmap to an obedient life. Faith is the action that motivates us to walk in the way of Jesus in our spirit, mind, body, social context, and soul. As it stands, “without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6, ESV).

Faith is our roadmap to reality, but it also gives us our readiness to act. This is why James writes, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20, 26, KJV). Which of us, when guided by a map, intentionally takes the wrong path or sits still? We don’t. When we have a destination in mind, we move forward in the direction we are guided to take.

Faith always leads us to God: His person, His presence, His path.

Ultimately, the byproduct of the Word entering our lives is faith, and the byproduct of faith in our lives is obedience. This obedience is learned as we enter more fully into communion with God. This is not “remote” or “distance” learning. Instead, it happens through the Holy Spirit’s presence in each of us. Just as a child learns up close from a parent how to complete even the most basic tasks, we learn through communion with God’s Spirit how to live, walk, and feast in God’s Kingdom each and every day.

REFLECTION

Is your faith leading you into obedience, or are you allowing other things (self, society, etc.) to guide your daily path? Explore what it is that is forming you.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, Word made flesh, help me by faith to live this day obediently in Your Kingdom. Make Your path clear to me through Your Spirit, and give me the strength I need to be obedient and active for Your great name. Amen.