Faith – Aroh Eberechukwu Benedicta
The Catholic catechism doctrine teaches that “faith is a supernatural gift of God which enables us to believe without doubting whatever God has revealed.” From this definition we see that it is not easy for one to have faith. Yes, it is not easy to believe that which you have not seen with your very own eyes nor heard with your ears, especially in a world full of lies. We see this evident in the life of Thomas the Apostle who didn’t believe that Jesus had appeared to the rest of his brothers until he touched the wounds in His hands himself.
Faith is not gotten by one’s own ability, which was why when Jesus said, “anything is possible if a person believes”, the man with the demon-possessed son in Mark 9:24 cried out; “I do believe, but help me to overcome my unbelief.” This goes to show that faith is a gift that God pours out on his children who are willing and ready to receive. One just has to open his heart to receive this gift.
Remember Abraham in the Bible who is known as our father in faith; Abraham hoped and believed in God even when there was nothing left in sight to believe for. And the Bible tells us that this faith was accounted unto him as righteousness. We also see how God blessed and honored him in his lifetime and beyond, and kept the covenant He had with him.
Abraham was a pagan before God called him out for separation. This was possible because God saw Abraham’s heart. His heart was pure and open, which was why God was able to pour His gift of faith into him. How much more we who are Christians today. Christianity isn’t complete without the gift of faith inside of us. We are meant to open our hearts to receive this gift, just as the man with the demon-possessed son did. Just as Abraham did.
When we receive this faith, what does it do in our lives?
It helps us take our stand in God’s presence. Having faith goes to show that we know our rights as children of God.
Faith opens the door for our blessings to come in. This is possible because we must have claimed them spiritually, which therefore gives room for them to manifest physically. Which is why Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the substance of things hoped for.
Faith energizes us to change the situations around us. Even if that faith is just as tiny as a mustard seed, Jesus assured us in His word that we can move mountains. So exercise it!
However, this faith is incomplete if it is not supported with good works (James 2:17-20).
I look forward to seeing sons and daughters take authority and exercise their faith in Christ.