Gains of faith – Part 2

Faith is practical. It is seen in the lives of those that exercise it. And its benefits are too obvious for all observers to see. The Scripture reveals some saints or children of God who had sustaining faith. God wants us to exercise faith in Him. Additionally, He wants us to be “followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” When we are set free, live and act by faith, God will grant us the fulfilment of His promises and blessings.

Among the saints whose lives stand out as a beacon of faith, and from whom we are expected to learn vital lessons were Abraham, whose faith did not allow him to consider his ageing, dead and barren body, but believed God for the promised child. Barak’s faith went with Deborah to battle without any consideration for gender because he believed God was with her. Caleb’s faith did not consider the giants superior to His God, but believed that with Him on their side, they were well able to overcome.

Daniel’s faith triumphed over conspirators, who wanted him to become a secret disciple. He came out of the den of lions unhurt. Elijah was a man of authority, who locked and opened heaven against idolatrous Ahab and Israel. Fortunatus, though unfamiliar, by faith supported and made the apostle Paul glad. Gideon’s faith was neither in the size of the army nor in people, but in the almighty God, Who gave him victory in battle.

Hezekiah’s faith cancelled premature death through prayer. Isaiah’s faith claimed signs and wonders for him and his children. Joshua’s faith was built on God’s word and promise that no man would be able to stand before him all the days of his life. King Jehoshaphat’s faith considered the battle won; as such, he arranged his people to praise God. The Lepers’ faith received miracles from the Lord, when He told them to go and show themselves to the priest. Moses’ faith did not see Pharaoh as any obstacle to Israel’s exodus, but was fixed on the invisible God. Noah’s faith obeyed God’s warning, prepared the Ark and escaped His judgment. Obadiah’s faith made him to hide and feed servants of God during Ahab’s sinful reign and also spoke about Elijah’s departure by the Spirit of God. Paul, the apostle was able to perform miracles through his faith in God. Queen Esther’s faith delivered the whole nation of Israel from being wiped out. Rahab’s faith acted on her knowledge of God; she and her family were preserved. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s faith affirmed that their God was able to deliver from persecutors and oppressors. Thessalonians’ faith was a growing one; it grew to solve greater problems and cope with greater challenges.

Unwavering faith does not doubt God’s promises. Virgin Mary’s faith believed the good news from the Lord. Woman of Shunem’s faith believed and confessed, ‘it is well’ though the child that came after many years of waiting was dead. Extraordinary faith of the Sirophenician woman did not give up, but persisted in spite of distractions and tests until she got the blessing. Yoke-breaking faith in the anointing from the Lord upon His servants sets free. Zerubabel’s faith moved mountains; began and finished projects and accomplished dreams.

The Lord wants us to study and follow the pattern, potential and possibilities of the sustaining faith of these saints. When we do so, the result of faith in their lives will be replicated in ours.
Further Reading (King James Version): John 8:30-32; Proverbs 19:2; Isaiah 5:14; Hosea 4:6; John 8:36; Psalm 50:5; Hebrews 6:12; 13:7; 11:33; 1 Corinthians 16:17; Hebrews 11:32; Luke 17:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Luke 1:45; Isaiah 10:27; Zechariah 4:6-9.