Faith in the FireSample

DAY TWO

FAITH COMES BY HEARING

📖 Scriptures for Study & Reflection:

• Romans 10:17 – "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
• James 1:22 – "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
• Isaiah 55:11 – "So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire."

Devotional:

Have you ever noticed how the things you listen to affect your mindset? A single encouraging word can lift your spirit, while constant negativity can drain your hope. What we feed our hearts and minds determines how we respond to challenges. Faith is no different. It grows when we immerse ourselves in God’s truth and diminishes when we let fear and doubt take over.

A powerful example of faith growing through hearing is the story of Ebed-Melech, a servant in King Zedekiah’s court. In Jeremiah 38, the prophet Jeremiah was thrown into a cistern, left to die because his messages from God were unpopular. While most people remained silent, afraid to challenge the king’s orders, Ebed-Melech chose to act. He had heard Jeremiah speak God’s truth before and believed in God’s power more than the fear of man. He boldly approached the king and pleaded for Jeremiah’s rescue, risking his own safety.

Because of his faith and courage, Jeremiah was saved. Later, in Jeremiah 39:15-18, God specifically tells Ebed-Melech that he will be spared from the destruction of Jerusalem because he trusted Him. This is a remarkable moment in scripture because Ebed-Melech was not a prophet, king, or religious leader. He was simply a servant who had listened to God’s word and allowed it to shape his actions.

Many of us read the Bible but do not let it transform how we live. We hear sermons but forget them by Monday. Faith does not come just by hearing—it comes by responding. Ebed-Melech’s story reminds us that hearing God’s truth should move us to action.

If you find yourself struggling with faith, ask yourself: What voices am I allowing to shape my beliefs? Am I feeding my heart with God’s Word, or am I being influenced by fear and doubt? Faith is strengthened by what we consume. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s truth, the stronger our trust in Him becomes.

Takeaway & Application:

• What voices are shaping your faith? Are you tuning into fear and doubt or God’s truth?
• Make a habit of not just reading Scripture but applying it. Take one verse this week and live it out intentionally.

🙏 Prayer: Lord, help me to hear Your voice above all others. Let Your Word shape my faith and my actions so that I may boldly follow You. Amen.

✍️ Journal Prompts:

1. What is one Bible verse that has strengthened your faith in a difficult season? Write about how it encouraged you.
2. What are some practical ways you can “hear” more of God’s Word in your daily life?