MARCH 7, 2024
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20-21
As we continue in our study of faith, did you know that there is a sequence to demonstrating faith? When we say demonstrating faith, we are referring to faith in God, faith in the name of Jesus, faith in the Word of God and faith in the presence of God. All too often, you find that deep within the recesses of the souls of believers are accumulated disappointments (or disbeliefs) at the power of God to bring about the answers to their prayers or changes they desired in their lives.
Why is this so? Not because God cannot do it (Numbers 23:19) but because we have not followed the sequence (or pattern) of faith.
These are 3 steps in the sequence of faith:
1. The first is information. Information in this context is the Word of God. That is, the knowledge of the Word of God as contained in the scriptures that we hear and are familiar with (Romans 10:17). This knowledge mostly resides in the head. For the information to be useful however, it must mature or graduate to revelation.
2. Revelation is what transforms the knowledge of the Word of God into meaning. This is the second step in the sequence. But this is not sufficient. For the revealed Word of God to bring about the answers to our prayers or the changes we desire, we must be fully persuaded(convicted).
3. This bring us to the third step – conviction. It is from a place of full conviction that we take action (based upon faith). In other words, we must be convinced beyond doubt, believing in our hearts (Romans 10:9-10), that God is able to bring about the fulfillment of His promises in our lives.
There are sometimes gaps in the steps which we sometimes miss. Between information and revelation lies the gap of understanding. In the interpretation of the seed that fell by the wayside, Jesus in Matthew 13:19 explained to the disciples that “when anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart”.
Understanding is what takes the scripture and turns it to light, into revelation in our hearts. Understanding is therefore critical to this process. We get understanding through prayer, studying (not reading) the Word of God, counsel, teachings on the Word and most importantly by the Spirit of God.
There are sometimes gaps in the steps which we sometimes miss. Between information and revelation lies the gap of understanding.
Between revelation and persuasion are the trio of unbelief, doubt and fear. When the disciples failed to drive out the demon of epilepsy, they approached Jesus as to why, and he told them in Matthew 17:20 “Because of your unbelief…”. Peter’s experience with Jesus walking on water further illustrates the gaps between these steps. In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter had seen Jesus walking towards them on water (information).
Jesus beckoned him to come in verse 29 (revelation). In verse 30, the Bible records that he became afraid and started to sink when he saw the wind was boisterous. Jesus caught him in verse 31 saying to him “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”. This is where many struggle. We may have the Word, have received revelation and to an extent become persuaded on a promise of God to us but then…are we fully persuaded…beyond the reach of unbelief, fear and doubt?
The proof of belief is in the action taken. James 2:26 “…so faith without works is dead”. Our works or actions are a good indicator of what we believe in. These actions, taken in faith, are weighed by God according to 1 Samuel 2:3.
They are tested for us to become persuaded, fully convinced that God is able to do what He said He would do. The Bible says of Abraham in Romans 4:19-21 “And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform”.
We become persuaded or fully convinced when we continually, that is, through repetition, meditate on the Word of God (Joshua 1:8), reinforcing our beliefs with our own testimonies and the testimonies of others.
Food for thought: How do you know (believe) that the next chair you sit on will support your weight?
Song of Worship
God is able to do just what he said He would do
He's gonna fulfill every promise to you. Don't give up on God, cause He won't give up on you
He's able-2X
Prayer - Dear Lord, give me understanding when I study your Word, grant me unwavering faith to overcome unbelief, doubt and fear so that I can be fully convinced that You will bring to pass all that You have promised to do in my life in Jesus' name, Amen.
Bible in 1 year: Deuteronomy 7-9