The Nature of Faith, part 8

...and being fully convinced
that what He had promised
He was also able to perform.
Romans 4:21, NKJV

What are the keys to living by faith and receiving the promises of God?

First, you have to believe.

Second, you have to maintain your hope, even when things look hopeless.

Third, you have to keep your eyes on Jesus, not on your circumstances.

Fourth, you have to strengthen your faith through remembrance and declaration.

Fifth, you have to give glory to God continually as you wait.

But there is an element we must not forget. If God is the one who said it, we have to be fully convinced that what God promises, He is also able to perform. What God promises, He is also willing to fulfill. What God promises, He will absolutely do...in His own good time according to His own special purpose.

The mistake too many people have made when it comes to faith is the faulty belief that God has to do whatever we tell Him to do "in Jesus' name." As if the name of Jesus is some kind of magic quarter that we can drop in the machine and press the button for what we want. Yes, Jesus did say ask whatever we will in His name, and we can expect to receive. But that one verse separated from the entirety of Scripture leads to arrogance and presumption, and false religion. We must first be abiding in Christ, and letting His words abide in us. We must also know and understand the will of the Father regarding our request, whether what we are asking is pleasing to Him. We must also have good and righteous motives in asking so that we do not ask amiss. There are governing principles in everything spiritual, and we need to learn them.

And when taking a stand in faith, we need to make sure that we have heard from God, that we remember correctly what we have been told, and that we don't add to or take away from God's word to suit our own desires. Like Abraham...God promised him descendants, property, and blessing, so that he could be a blessing to the whole world. Abraham had no problem asking God, "Did you really say thus-and-so? Did I hear you right? Would you confirm your word to me? How will I know that this is really from you?" And God wasn't offended at all that Abraham sought clarification. Rather, God continued to confirm His promise to Abraham, and Abraham continued to be strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that what God had promised, He would also do.

If you hare attempting to live in faith, especially regarding a promise, be certain of what God has said. Be obedient to God's direction. And trust in God's word. He is faithful and true, and not a man that He should lie. He will not fail you and He does not change. If God has said it, you can believe it. And wait patiently to receive the promises of God.