Those who promote the view that we don’t have choice effectively encourage a “passive” faith. What’s the point if FATHER has already determined the outcome independent of any choice we make? FATHER give us the ability to choose and thus within that ability, we can and should exercise faith in HIS Word to produce an expected outcome. We have the right to choose life or death but FATHER urges us to choose life. In Deuteronomy chapter 30 FATHER spoke:
19 “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
We have the choice to walk by faith or by sight but FATHER urges us to walk by faith and not be moved by our temporary circumstances. In Romans chapter 8, Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT:
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Our flesh along with the five physical senses wants us to trust in what we see rather than FATHER’S Word. If that doesn’t work, our mind’s logic and reasoning want us to trust in what we comprehend rather than trust in what we cannot understand by our faculties. Our spirit man is meant to lead and guide us through life by connecting with FATHER in all situations. This requires active faith. In Hebrews chapter 11 it is written by THE SPIRIT:
6 But without faith it is impossible to please HIM,for he who comes to God must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM.
We must be diligent in our seeking. These writings are intended to renew your mind and refresh your resolve to live in the simplicity of Christ. You don’t have to know Greek or Hebrew in order to please FATHER. Noah had no Scripture reference to analyze to the nth degree in order to build the ark. He simply believed the Word from FATHER, trusted HIM, and exercised his faith by acting on that Word. Abraham did the same.
In order for our faith to be effective, we must exercise it based on a promise or Word given to us by FATHER. As we learn about the Character of FATHER, we are able to discern what HIS Will is in the area of need. HE HIMSELF told us that HE is Jehovah Rapha “THE LORD WHO HEALETH THEE” so we can pray and exercise our faith in the area of healing and restoration.
When we focus on predictions voiced by men of what will soon happen, they can have a negative impact on our faith. The second coming of Christ was predicted in 1988, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2000, etc. Because we believed the predictions, we tended to become passive in our own day-to-day life assuming that we should make no plans or set expectations beyond Christ’s second coming. Let us be about FATHER’S business until such a time arrives and quit focusing on man’s predictions labeled as “prophecies”.
James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 2:
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Those who are reluctant to give to others in essence do not really believe FATHER is Jehovah Jireh (Genesis 22:14). There is no need to feel guilty of this lack of faith in HIS ability to provide but instead read, dwell, and meditate on HIS Word day and night until HIS Word in the area of provision is planted and producing fruit, but most of all focus on your relationship with HIM. You can be void of HIS Word in one area and be fruitful in another. We need to lead a well-balanced life in HIS Word so that we are able to walk in the same manner as our elder brother Jesus. In Matthew 17, Jesus spoke:
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
Faith turns impossibility into reality. FATHER speaks before manifestation occurs. Our five physical senses want to “see it to believe it” thus it requires no faith after the fact. Jesus spoke in Luke 18:
27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
Let us believe the Words of Jesus and trust FATHER to deal with the apparent “impossible” in whatever area we are lacking. FATHER’S Love is what motivates HIM to respond to our prayer and fulfill HIS Word in our life. However HE expects us to do our part and activate our faith IN HIS ability to bring forth the fruitfulness of HIS Word. In Matthew chapter 9:
27 When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”
28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”
29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”
Jesus further proclaimed in Matthew chapter 7:
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
We are commanded to Love HIM first and foremost. There is nothing we can do to muster up Love. Let us esteem FATHER above all else and let us act on HIS Word in faith through Love.