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Faith may be one of the easiest gifts to define. The dictionary definition is a reliance or trust in something or someone.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) We live by faith, not by sight.
What do we have faith in? When we talk about trust in God, what are we trusting him to do, or what are we trusting him for?
We are trusting him with our physical needs.
Matt 6:28-30 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
We trust him to heal.
Matthew 8:6-10 "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering." Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him." The centurion
replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under
authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
How does faith help us heal? It provides help in times of trouble.
Matthew 8:24 Without warning, a furious storm came p on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Note a few things. First, the disciples were in trouble beyond thier ability to save themselves. And while Jesus rebuked their faith, they DID show faith in going to him to be saved. Are we like then?
What happens to us when we have no faith, or loose faith? We loose the benefits of faith,
Matthew 13:58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
We may loose our ability to do good
Matthew 17:19-20 Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, "Why couldn't we drive it out?" He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to his mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. "
All gifts are tested, is a test of faith harder than most tests?
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Faith can rarely be used for evil, but it
can be denied or manipulated
John 12:42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;
Acts 13:8 (NIV) But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
How important is faith? For most of us, it is vitally important.
How hard is it for us to gain faith? For some it comes naturally. For others it is a journey. And for others of us, it is a real struggle. The answer to that
questions says a lot about whether or not is is our GIFT.
Questions you may ask to rate your faith.
* Is it easy to believe and trust that God can, will, and does intervene in history?
* Are you convinced that God is concerned about, and is active in the affairs of individual believers?
* Do you feel assured that any event can be turned to the glory of God?
* Do you find it easy to have faith even when things are going badly for you or those you care for?
* Do you have a strong tendency to see God's hand in events around you?
* Are you willing to accept what happens to you without always questioning why?
If you answer was yes to these questions, faith is probably a strong gift in you.
After his resurrection, he encouraged Peter to rise above his denial of Christ the night of Jesus’ trial.
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