Faith and Action

"Friends helping to cross the stream"
by adamr - freedigitalphotos.net

In its simplest form, faith is believing.  Faith in God is believing God and his word. Faith in God ultimately originates with God.  Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2).  But I've noticed some confusion in the area of using or acting on our faith.  James says that faith without works is dead (James 2:20).  When we truly believe something in our heart (have faith), we act on that belief.  Faith is not a stand alone intellectual belief.  It is a heart belief that leads to action.

I came across an old devotional book I've had for many years, entitled "Come Away My Beloved"  by Frances J. Roberts, in which he shares his thoughts on faith and action:

"My promises are of no avail to you except as you apply and appropriate them by faith.  In your daily walk, you shall be victorious only to the degree that you trust Me.  I can help you only as you ask.   I shall meet you at every point where you put action alongside your prayers.  Only as you WALK shall the waters of adversity be parted before you.  Overburdened as the world is with trouble and sickness, I need those who have proved My sufficiency in everyday, personal experience to lead the suffering to the fountains of life.  I need those who have found Me as burden-bearer to help bring deliverance to the oppressed.

Never begrudge time given to chronic complainers, but recognize in each encounter the opportunity to speak a word that may lead to their liberation.  No case is too hard for Me.  Never be taken by surprise when I use you to change a pattern.  Do not judge a man by what he appears to be, but see him as what he CAN be if he give himself unreservedly to Me."

As we believe and stand on the word of God and see victory in our lives (obviously its a process - doesn't happen overnight), we are walking by faith and not by sight.  We're also able to see others through eyes of faith - we can see them as God sees them.  We can then bless them and be used by God to bring them to Him!