The workings of faith – Part 2

The kind of faith that impresses God and activates miracles is faith that works through the medium of the spoken word. In 2 Corinthian 4:13, Paul wrote about the spirit of faith that speaks out the word of faith, “And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Corinthians‬)

Faith works through the medium of the spoken word. Faith that is reticent is inactive and would not work. Even God had to speak the word of faith before creation came into existence. He did not remain silent but spoke out. “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalms‬

The power of faith was at work when Peter and John went to the temple. At the Beautiful Gate, they met a man who was born lame begging for alms. Peter, sensing the man needed arms from them said to him, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk” (Acts‬)

A similar incident occurred at Lystra when Paul met a cripple. When the cripple heard Paul speak, Paul observed his level of faith and commanded him to rise up and walk. “…This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leapt and walked” (Acts‬)

Christ’s encounter with the Centurion was not different. Jesus obliged immediately he was invited to come to the house of the Centurion to pray for his servant who was sick. Jesus had hardly got to his house when he sent word to the Master expressing his unworthiness to have him under his roof. He urged Jesus to simply speak the word from where He was believing that his servant will be made whole. Once Jesus spoke the word, the servant was made whole.

“Therefore, I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed….” When Jesus heard these things, He marvelled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!…” (Luke‬

After Jesus cursed the fig tree, the following day, the disciples wondered why His words had such immediate results. Jesus then answered, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (Mark‬)

COVID-19 has created a perfect environment for us to speak the words of faith in adverse situations around us. God will honour the words we declare in faith. Contact:pastoracukachi@gmail.com