The Power of Faith (Part 1) /Johnny Ramsey, Mt. Vernon, TX / /The word of Truth, July 2006/ / / / / Faith has substance and evidence backing it, and Christians walk by faith in the midst of an ungodly world. We live in faithful loyalty to our Maker as Habakkuk 2:4 states so clearly. We dare not turn back from the path of fidelity once we begin the journey toward the home of the soul (Hebrews 10:38-39). Being steadfast and true, one day we shall reap the end of our faith, the salvation of our spirits (1 Peter 1:9). Such blessed hope is based upon being established in the faith and abounding therein with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:7). In Christianity believing is seeing! When we really have trusting faith, we have to speak up for the Lord (2 Corinthians 4:13). Paul, in Acts 27:25 proclaimed boldly: “/I have believed God and it shall be even as he hath told me/”. The way of redemption is based upon faith (Galatians 2:16); such an arrangement causes us to want to believe. This is a life from faith to faith (Romans 1:17) that causes us to exclaim in the language of 2 Timothy 1:12, “/I know whom I have believed/.” Such trust in God caused Joshua and Caleb to rely upon the promise of a land flowing with abundant provisions. Let us remember their vibrant words of faith: “/We are well able to rise up at once and take the land/.” This genuine faith propelled Esther to courageous action that could have caused her death but rather preserved the life of God’s people! The power of faith in Daniel’s sojourn is a study of magnificent heroism as he constantly opposed the popular way to stand up for truth. The sincere spirit of courage and conviction caused Elijah and Micaiah to withstand hundreds of false prophets and triumph over error, sin, and shame. In Proverbs, chapter three, we are challenged to put our trust in the Lord and not our own strength. Job 13:15 is the epitome of genuine faith and confidence, come what may: “/Though he slay me, yet I will trust him/.” Paul acknowledged that no man stood by him in difficult moments, but the Savior was there to deliver him in difficulty and loneliness. The great hymn of faith reminds us of this: /When life’s dark maze I tread,/ / And grief’s around me spread,/ / Be thou my guide./ / / / Bid darkness turn to day,/ / Wipe sorrow’s tears away, / / Nor let me ever stray,/ / From Thee aside./ / / At the end of the sterling chapter on heroes of faith, of whom the world was not worthy, the inspired writer declares: “/These all died in faith/.” What a compliment! Being loyal even in the throes of certain death will grant us the crown of life bestowed by Christ (Revelation 2:10). The power of faith transcends all earthly cares and finds its fruition in the sacred halls of heaven. As our heart deepens in the way of the Lord, our faith increased, and new vistas of glory are unveiled (2 Corinthians 10:15). Going onward in faith means God can use us to the zenith of our ability. Too many folk never know the fullness of a righteous faith because they never view Christianity as an adventure or divine romance. Read Genesis 45:5 and 50:20 where God’s providence and Joseph’s faithfulness meshed into a rare blessing for mankind. The power of faith is of exquisite value. / / In Christ, Steve Preston/ /