Faith is one of the most fundamental parts of our walk with Christ. In many cases, it is also one of the most misunderstood and heavily argued. This devotion will attempt to answer the question, “What is Faith?”

First, a technical definition of faith:

1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another’s ability.
2. belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
3. belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
4. belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
5. a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
6. the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
7. the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one’s promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
8. Christian Theology. the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.

– dictionary.com

Now, what is the most basic definition of faith offered in the Bible?

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
– Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

Both the technical definition and God’s definition seem to have a lot in common. It is our belief in something that we don’t honestly have physical proof of. Yes, we have evidences in our lives and the lives of others that strengthens our faith. These evidences include the Holy Spirit working in our lives and the lives of others, and the Word of God, which we all believe.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the word “faith,” from the original Greek.

Pistis is used 244 times in the NT. It is translated into the KJV mostly as faith, but also as assurance, belief, believe, and fidelity. According to Strong’s, Pistis is defined as:

Conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.

Looking at that word alone, we can see that faith is active, not passive. It is the convictions of our beliefs. If you continue in that verse, it speaks of substance and evidence. Both words are critical to understanding what faith is.

Let us now look at the word “substance” in the original Greek.

Hupostasis is only used five times in the New Testament. It is translated as: confidence (twice), confident, person, and substance. According to Strong’s, Hupostasis is defined as:

1. a setting or placing under, thing put under, substructure, foundation
2. that which has foundation, is firm
   1. that which has actual existence, a substance, real being
   2. the substantial quality, nature, of a person or thing
   3. the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution, confidence, firm trust, assurance

Looking at this word, in the context of what faith is, we can see it is more than simply substance, it is also a foundation. It is more than simply a belief, it is the rock on which we stand. It is a resolute belief that cannot be swayed. That belief is described in the next phrase, “things hoped for.”

Elpizo is used 32 times in the New Testament. Most often it is translated as “trust” (18 times), followed by hope (10 times), hope for (twice), things hoped for (once) and hope (once). According to Strong’s, it is defined as:

to hope, in a religious sense, to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence. Also, hopefully to trust in.

Trust and hope. These two go hand-in-hand. Together they strengthen our belief, which, in turn, is part of our faith. This is an act of looking forward to what has not yet happened. It isn’t about what has happened. What has happened is our belief. Our trust and our hope is in what is to come. When it comes to deliverance (whether the deliverance is healing, monetary, or any other trial), it has not happened yet. For that reason, we trust in God to deliver us, but we also trust in God’s provision even when we are not delivered. Why? Because we trust and hope (look forward) in the day we will be delivered, either in this lifetime or when God glorifies our bodies.

Now we get to “evidence,” as mentioned previously, which is equally important to our faith.

Elegchos is only found twice in the New Testament. The other time it is used, it is translated as reproof. As Strong’s defines it it is:

A proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested. A conviction.

Our faith is the proof. The evidence does not make up our faith. Our faith was described previously in the verse as the “substance of things hoped for.” As I had previously explained, it is the future events that we look forward to with conviction and strong beliefs. Our faith is what reminds us and shows others about the “things not seen.” What is that which is not seen? Let’s look at the Greek phrase here: Pragma Ou Blepo.

Pragma is used 11 times, and is translated as thing (6 times), matter (3 times), business (once), work (once). Looking at Strong’s, it defines it as:

That which has been done, a deed, an accomplished fact. What is done or being accomplished (business, a commercial transaction). A matter, question, affair (in a forensic sense, a matter at law, case, suit). Or, that which is or exists, a thing.

Ou doesn’t really require much explanation, as it is simply a word that means “no” or “not”

Blepo is used 135 times in the New Testament and is mostly translated as “see.” Other translations are “take heed,” “behold,” “beware,” “look on,” “look,” and “beware of.” Strong’s defines it as:

1. to see, discern, of the bodily eye
   1. with the bodily eye: to be possessed of sight, have the power of seeing
   2. perceive by the use of the eyes: to see, look descry
   3. to turn the eyes to anything: to look at, look upon, gaze at
   4. to perceive by the senses, to feel
   5. to discover by use, to know by experience
2. metaph. to see with the mind’s eye
   1. to have (the power of) understanding
   2. to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand
   3. to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine
3. in a geographical sense of places, mountains, buildings, etc. turning towards any quarter, as it were, facing it

While the first part of the verse is dealing with what is yet to come, this part of the verse deals with what has been done, as well as what is being done. Look at Pragma. It refers to work done and work being done. Of course, the work is clarified in the next two words, “Ou Blepo,” which we translate into “unseen.” In regards to Blepo, this word is more than just seeing. It is full perception. It is feelings. We don’t always see the works of God, nor do we always feel when God is moving. That does not mean we stop believing in God, or believing that He is moving.

When we bring the phrase into one, we can see the picture of the past and the present being brought into the verse. We realize that the evidence that our faith points to is our Salvation. It is Christ’s death upon the cross and rising from the grave. It is the changed lives we should have as we have accepted Christ into our lives. It is God, molding us into the image of His Son, whether by trials or not. It is the works God has done and that God is continuing to do in our lives.

Taking the Greek definitions from Strong’s, Hebrews 11:1 could easily read:

Now our active faith is the confidence in what we believe and hope for, and the proof to ourselves and to others of the work that God has done and continues to do, which cannot be seen.

Let us realize that our faith is active and living. It is being tested and being proved. It is always looking forward to what is to come. Our faith doesn’t point us back, but gives us and others proof of what God has done and continues to do. Praying for deliverance (healing, etc) and believing one will be delivered is looking forward, and is an act of faith. When we are delivered, then we can say, “The Lord has delivered me,” and our faith then becomes evidence of the work God is doing in our lives. If God does not heal, then our continued prayers for deliverance and perseverance, despite the trials we face, is the proof of God working in our lives, refining us, and strengthening our faith.

I look at some of those who call themselves Christians and have to ask this question. Why? Because very few of them act like Christians. Instead, they behave like selfish and spoiled children that only want to attack each other. This isn’t about disagreement, which is perfectly acceptable, but this is about downright hostility, unforgiveness, and unloving attitude of many people who claim the name of Christ. If this is an example of what a Christian is, then I’m ashamed to call myself Christian. I will continue to follow Christ, but I will not be associated with the behavior more suited to the anti-Christ than Christ.

Consider the words of Christ:

John 13:34-35 NIV
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The word “love” is Agape. It is unconditional love. It is a type of love that is sorely lacking among many. That lack of Agape love is the very reason that I ask the question “Where are the Christians?” Are you willing to love those whom you disagree with? Are you willing to love those who have wronged you? Are you willing to love those whom Christ also loves? Or do you know better than God on who should be loved, and who shouldn’t?

Look at what Paul writes to the Romans:

Romans 12:10 NIV
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Be devoted to each other. Love one another. Honor another above yourself. How many fail to take heed to the Word of God and esteem ourselves and our own views above another. For further study, read all of Romans 12. Ask yourself, are you a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable to God, or are you living in the flesh and feeding your own self.

Of course, some might argue that they have every right to speak the way that they do. While that may or may not be true, look at what Paul tells the Galatians about our “freedom:”

Galatians 5:13 NIV
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Use your freedom to serve one another in love. This isn’t about whether you are right or wrong, this is about loving our brothers and sisters enough to serve them, even if you believe them to be wrong.

Now consider Paul’s words to the Ephesians:

Ephesians 4:2 NIV
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Do we show any of these in our actions? Are we so wrapped up in our pride that we refuse to see the snares that so easily ensnare us?

Now, that was, by no means, a complete list of Paul’s statements on love. Nor was he the only one to write about it. Consider the words of the Apostle Peter:

1 Peter 1:22 NIV
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

1 Peter 3:8 NIV
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

Have you purified yourself through obedience? If so, you should be demonstrating sincere love for your brothers. You should be living in harmony, sympathetic, compassionate and humble. This doesn’t mean we always have to agree, but it does mean that our love should be greater than our disagreement.

Finally, the words of the Apostle John, the one who was often referred to as the “one Jesus loved.” The entire epistle of John is devoted to the topic of love, and is very beneficial for prayer, meditation and letting the Holy Spirit work in areas that we are lacking. For the sake of space and time, I will only quote a few verses from 1 John 4.

1 John 4:7-13 NIV
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.

I ask this again, do we love one another? Do our words reflect love or hostility? If you don’t love, then you do not know God, for God is love. It is very clear. If we want His blessings and the power of His Spirit, then one of those requirements is that of love.

Let us love one another. Let us respect each other. Let us lift each other up. Yes, we can disagree. There is nothing wrong with that. Let us still show our love for one another, even in our disagreements. If we call ourselves “Christian” let us start acting like it. If we say that we are “filled with the Spirit” then let the fruits show.

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

The title for this devotion comes from a song that I’m sure everyone knows. “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” We’re so busy pointing our fingers at everyone else, that we have forgotten to evaluate ourselves in the process. We aren’t letting peace begin with us.

Matthew 5:1-12 NIV
1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

There is so much meat in the Beatitudes that it is impossible to include everything into one single post. As such, this post is only going to go over it at a high level. I encourage you to meditate on the words of Jesus in this teaching, and let the Holy Spirit show you how you can apply every one of these into your own life.

First, I’d like to point out that Jesus here is talking to His disciples, not to the crowds. When the crowds came, He took His disciples to a mountain top to teach them. Are you a follower of Christ? If so, then you should take these words to heart as well.

Jesus starts with the poor in spirit. The poor in spirit recognize that they can’t bring anything spiritual to the table. That it isn’t by their own spirit, but by the spirit of God. It is a type of humility that comes from submission to God. It is through this that we can see the kingdom of God.

Jesus follows that with mourning. With all the talk of being strong or standing in faith, we often forget that Jesus did speak of mourning. We are to mourn for the lost, those who haven’t yet accepted the Lord. We are to mourn for our own sins, and ask for forgiveness. We are to mourn for the sick, and pray for their healing. For it is when we mourn, that we shall be comforted.

Meekness is power under control. As Christians that have been filled with the Holy Spirit, we have the full power of God on our side. That meekness knows when to use that power, and when to restrain it. Some might equate that to weakness, but in reality that isn’t further from the truth. Look at Jesus; He spent time with the sinners, and He didn’t use His righteousness to condemn them. Instead, He used His meekness to direct them to the Lord. Although He also knew when it was time to use His power, when He righteously overturned the moneychangers’ tables in the temple. Those who are meek will inherit the earth.

We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness. We need to long for the Truth, which is contained in God’s Word. We are to seek it for ourselves, to grow in knowledge and truth. We are to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what is true. This doesn’t give us cause to force that hunger and thirst onto others, but to seek it for ourselves. Through that, we shall be filled.

Mercy is something that so many people seem to forget about. We get so caught up in what we believe is right, that we push our views on others without mercy. We are so quick to condemn both Christian and non-Christian alike. Was this what Jesus did? No, He showed mercy. “Go and sin no more.” We want mercy for ourselves when we make mistakes, therefore Jesus tells us we need to also be merciful.

To be pure in heart is something that is very difficult to do. Our pride continues to get in the way. Jesus used children as an example of purity of heart. Look at a child’s niavety. You can see the pureness of heart, the unfailing faith that is rarely seen in adults. Look at a person with down syndrome and see another example of purity of heart, an innocence that almost seems lost to most of us. Yet it is that purity of heart that will see God. We need to seek that purity so that we too can see God.

The peacemakers Jesus addresses next. These people are the ones who attempt to “bridge the gaps.” They attempt to find the common ground and give glory to God. They aren’t out there trying to force their own way or their own views. They are confident in their views, but are willing to bridge the gap so that God would be glorified. It is the peacemakers that will be called the sons of God. Do you want to be a son (or a daughter) of God? Then strive to be a peacemaker.

The persecuted for righteousness is often thrown around, but it is often taken out of context. This is speaking of those who are persecuted by the world. This is religious persecution that seeks to destroy Christ and the Gospel. The worldly view of those who haven’t accepted Christ and are furthering the cause of Satan. We in Western Culture have very little experience with this type of persecution (although we are quick enough to shout it for minor offenses against us). Look at the Christians in the Middle East, in Asia, or the like. Look at the missionaries who go into areas hostile to Christianity and proclaim the Gospel. They face persecution on a regular basis. Their reward will be great in heaven. Let’s not put our petty squabbles on the same level as what Jesus is referring to here.

There is so much more that could be said about each of the Beatitudes. Time prevents further elaboration. Take the time to meditate on the words of Jesus. Read them in different versions and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. Find out how you can apply these verses to your life, and find out how you can bring the Holy Spirit into our lives by our obedience to God, and our desire to reflect the beatitudes in our own life.

I Timothy 6:6-8 NKJV
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Philippians 4:11-12 NKJV
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

We are to be content. How many of us aren’t content where we are at? How many of us desire for more? How many of us worry about what we don’t have, to the point of depression? How many of us are dissatisfied with any aspect of our lives, whether it has to do with health, finances, or our place in society?

Our contentment, like Paul’s, should extend into every area of our lives. This includes sickness and lack-of-prosperity. If we are sick, it isn’t that we desire to stay sick, it is that we find a way to be content even despite of the sickness. If we are in need, we find a way to be content even despite of the need. Now, some might argue that it sounds like giving up or giving in. On the contrary, it is simply being content where we are at, and giving the rest to the Lord through prayer. If I’m sick, I pray for healing. At the same time, I am content even in the sickness. If I need financial help, I pray for the Lord to provide, and I still find contentment.

I believe that when one claims that sickness has no right in the body, then that person hasn’t found the contentment in the Lord to deal with the sickness and be content. Again, it isn’t about giving in to the sickness, it is about letting the peace of the Lord fill us, and finding the contentment that we need to have as Christians. Please note that I am not accusing such a person of not being content, I am simply acknowledging that for that specific situation, the person may not be content.

From my personal experience, I find that I am able to endure these trials I’m facing by finding my contentment and peace in the Lord. I find it by praising the Lord despite my circumstances. Yes, I want the circumstances to change. Yes, I pray for the Lord to deliver. At the same time, though, I seek the Lord for His peace and his contentment through the trials, not putting demands, but simply praising Him. I don’t always succeed, and there are times I fall into a depression as a result of the trials, but the Holy Spirit always reminds me of God’s Love and Grace, and I continue to praise Him.

Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11 is sometimes referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” The entire chapter is a great study into the topic of faith, and how it relates to many key figures in the Old Testament. It shows men and women of God, demonstrating their faith, trusting in God’s promises, even though they didn’t see the completion of the promises, sometimes for many years, in other times, not in their lifetime.

There are those who will claim that if we have faith, we can receive all the promises of God right now. For some people, that faith does manifest itself in healing or prosperity, and they use that as proof to back up their claim. Yet in the very Hall of Faith, there are those counted among the faithful, that never saw the promises of God in their lifetimes.

Hebrews 11:35b-39 NKJV
And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented– of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,

If faith, prosperity, healing, and good lives are so closely knit, why would the writer of Hebrews make mention of those who did not receive the promise? These same men and women were counted in the hall of faith, stating that they had obtained a good testimony through their faith. It wasn’t by receiving the promises through faith, but by faith alone.

This brings me to the point of my subject. What is the purpose of our faith? Is it so we can be healed? Is it so we can prosper? The author of Hebrews continues his thoughts into chapter 12.

Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Let us run the race, casting aside every weight, and looking to Jesus. This same Jesus who suffered unspeakable cruelty and torture and now sits and the right hand of God. He did this while we were still sinners, separated from Him. The rest of chapter 12 goes on to explain how we are to walk in faith, standing in trust, and accepting the chastening of the Lord.

In this life, we will have tribulation. In this life, we will suffer. In this life we will grow weary and become sick. In some cases, the sickness or tribulation comes from our own sins, and the chastening of the Lord. In all things, though, the Lord is in control.

So what is the faith? It is trusting in God. It is believing in His promises, even when all you see is darkness. It isn’t about what we can get. It isn’t about healing or prosperity. It is about complete and total submission to God’s Will, and focus on Him alone, the author and finisher of our faith.

When the walls seem to tumble around me. When it seems like another revelation is bad. While it seems like all hope in this life is lost. In all these things, I put my faith and trust in the promises of God. I know His plans for me, and I trust them. Whether I see those promises in this life or the next, it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters to me is, am I living for God? Am I trusting in Him? Is He the focus of my thoughts, in season and out of season? For me, nothing else really matters.

Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Matthew 18:21-35 NKJV
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Mark 11:25-26 NKJV
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Forgiveness is something Jesus was clear about, yet as humans, it is often something we don’t do. How many of us have been wronged in some way, shape or form? After we’ve been harmed, do we forgive the person who wronged us? Are we looking for ways to wrong them, or things to say to hurt them? Maybe it was someone misrepresenting a teaching, or misconstruing intentions? Maybe it was slander or libel? Maybe it was even name calling? Or it could have been much more subtle? Maybe someone says or does something that unintentionally hurts your feelings? How do you react? Do you react with anger, resentment, or even respond in kind? This is not the way we are supposed to react.

We, as Christians, should be seeking that forgiveness. We want Christ to forgive us, so we need to forgive others. Even if the person doesn’t ask for forgiveness, we should forgive them. There is no reason to harbor bitterness, hatred, or discord in your heart. We need to live for Christ, live the example of Christ. Let us not forget, He was unjustly accused in an illegal trial and sentenced to death on the cross. Even upon the cross, Jesus said “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” The first martyr of the church, Stephen, followed in the example of Christ, and when he was being stoned to death, his last words were asking the Lord to forgive those who were stoning him to death.

We may not be nailed to the cross, or facing death by stoning, but should we do any less for our Brothers and Sisters in the Lord? Should we do any less for those whom we have differences of opinions on?

Romans 8:31-39 NKJV
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Have you claimed your victory in Christ? Do you realize that you are more than conquerors through Him? Does this mean that we won’t go through hardships? Does this mean we’ll always be well? Does this mean that we’ll gain worldly wealth or fame? For some, this might be the case. For others, it is the realization that, no matter what our circumstances are, Christ has already paid the price and we are victorious over the circumstances.

Philippians 4:10-19 NKJV
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul knew that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. He said that no matter what state he was in, he had learned to be content. He had claimed his victory in Christ. It didn’t matter to him if he was in health or sick. It didn’t matter to him if he was rich or poor. It didn’t matter to him if he was learned or a fool. All that mattered to him was Christ and preaching the Gospel. He knew that God always provided for what he needed.

We get so wrapped up in this world, the circumstances of our lives, that we forget the victory that was claimed on the cross. We blame God for things that happen in our lives. We ask ourselves “Why hasn’t He answered?” “Has God forsaken me?” “How could He let me go through this?” Instead of simply realizing who God is, and claiming our Victory in Christ. God has not forsaken us, and He never will.

Therefore, claim your Victory, despite your circumstances, and let God work in your life, making you in the image of Christ.

I’ve heard it said that we need to “stand up for what we believe in.” Other times I’ve heard that we just need to “sit down and shut up.” This especially comes into play in the area of politics. Everyone has a say on what should be done, or how we should live, even if what they are saying is “keep your business out of our business.” You hear how the “liberal media” does this or that, the “religious right” does something else, and the “fundamentals” are doing something completely different. Conservative/Liberal. Republican/Democrat. Fundamental/Non-Fundamental. Whatever other polar label you can think of gets thrown around as the latest lingo. Where should we stand with all this going on?

I like the song that has the lyrics:
“On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”

That is the only thing we should be standing on. The rest should be handled on our knees.

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

First, we need to recognize who is being referred to here. In the original context it was the children of Israel who had become lost in their sin. This also applies to us, though. We are God’s people, and we are called by His name. We have been grafted into the vine through Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross.

God tells us what we should be doing. We should be humbling ourselves. When does a humble person stand up? In a society that always teaches us to stand up for what we believe, to put ourselves before another person, it can be hard to find humility. Even so, this is what God calls us to do.

In that spirit of humility, God next calls us to pray and seek His face. Does it say to pray and try to influence political decisions? No, it says simply to pray and seek God’s face. Our prayers should always be seeking God and His will, not what we believe we should be doing. In that attitude of humility we are receptive to what God wants to teach us.

Turning from their wicked ways is another tough one to consider. After all, God can’t be talking about us. He must be talking about all the other sinners in the country. On the contrary, He is talking to His people that are called by His name. That means He is talking to us. What are we doing in our own lives that is wicked in the eyes of the Lord? When we are humble before the Lord in prayer, we need to go to Him and ask Him to reveal any unclean way within us, and lead us back to the path of righteousness.

Next comes the “THEN.” Yes, God often times will have conditions. If you do this then I will do that. His love towards us is unconditional, but there are certain actions He will only do if we are faithful to do what He asked us to do. In this case God says He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land.

Are we so preoccupied in standing up for what we believe that we forget God? Are we so turned off by the world that we sit down and forget about our land? We shouldn’t be either of those things, we should be on our knees, constantly in prayer, looking to God first and letting His will rule our lives.

Now, what does this mean for the Christian in the political arena? Does that mean we remain silent while injustices are going on? Absolutely not! We should be participating in the political arena making our voices heard. At the same time, though, we need to realize that we will not change our nation by standing up for our rights. We need to be on our knees praying, changing the world one soul at a time.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 NKJV
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun: 8 There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, “For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?” This also is vanity and a grave misfortune. 9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Accountability is a very important topic. So many people talk about claiming the promises of the Cross, or relying on Christ through their trials. While these are true statements, but there is more to it than that. Some might say “Why are you making it more difficult than it really is?” or “It is Christ alone.” or even “That is what the church body is for.” The thing is, this topic isn’t making things more difficult, or changing other of the other statements. It is much more personal and uplifting.

Look at the passage I quoted from Ecclesiastes. The person working and toiling alone is called vanity and a grave misfortune. That person has no one with which to share in his labors. It goes on to say that “two are better than one.” The reasons given go to the heart of accountability.

“…If they fall, one will lift up his companion…”

Anyone who has ever been hiking in the woods knows never to hike alone. Why? What if someone falls and injures themselves? If they were alone, they would be trapped, but with another, that person can either help them walk, or go to get help.

Our Spiritual Walk is no different. If we’re trying to go it alone, we may fall into sin or temptation. To think that we will always do the right thing is fooling ourselves. Yet, if we have a Spiritual brother or sister along with us on our walk, they can lift us up when we fall. They can pray for us when we are weak. They can keep us accountable to God.

“…Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him…”

Look at a high school wrestling match. One wrestler against another. They struggle and fight until finally one is overpowered and pinned to the ground. You don’t know at the beginning who will win, so there is no guarantee of the outcome. Yet if two people were to take on one person at the same time, the two would overpower the one.

Let’s look at our Christian walk. Paul compares our fight to a wrestling match. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Are we strong enough to wrestle this alone? Sure we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, but aren’t we in a situation like that of the previous wrestling match analogy? We might win a few matches, but we’ll lose a few as well, and wind up getting Spiritually beaten up along the way. That is why we need a Christian brother or sister to stand beside us. To be in the ring with us, so to speak. They will be able to fight along side of us, lifting us up in prayer, reminding us of the Lord, and comforting us when we are feeling spiritually beaten up.

“…A threefold cord is not quickly broken…”

Have you ever looked at a section of rope? It is made up of a number of strands weaved together to give it strength. If you take one of those strands, it can break fairly easily. Adding a second strand gives it more strength, and a third is stronger still.

In our Spiritual walk, the threefold is ourselves, our accountability partner, and our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of having an accountability partner is to keep both people focused on the Lord. Christ is the glue that holds us together and keeps us strong. Without Christ in the equation, nothing else matters.

What about the married couples? I’m talking about the ones where both husband and wife are believers? Yes, they do have each other, and that is great. I still contend that they should each have a separate accountability partner, a male friend for the husband and a female friend for the wife. Maybe even another Christian married couple, which would be preferred. Why is that? It is simple, a married couple is one body in the eyes of the Lord. Get a second couple in there to strengthen the walk with the Lord and keep Christ in the center, and now you have two more families that Satan will have a harder time of destroying.

1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Final words regarding accountability. Have you ever seen a lion stalk its prey. Maybe on the National Geographic channel or out on some African Safari? If it were going after a herd of zebras, it would charge out and try to scatter the herd. As the herd runs, it will attack the straggler that gets separated and left behind.

It is no coincidence that Peter calls the devil a “roaring lion.” Satan will try to divide and conquer, and when one is alone, that is the one that is struck. That is why it is so important not to get caught alone, but to have that accountability partner. That brother or sister in the Lord that will stand with us, pray with and for us, and have the strength of character to correct us when we are wrong, and be humble enough to accept reproaches to draw each other into greater communion with the Lord.

Romans 8:18 (NKJV) – For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV) – And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

James 1:2-4 (NKJV) – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Whether you are facing physical, mental or spiritual battles in your life, these are three passages of Scripture that speak about our attitudes relating to those battles. For some people, it is easy to look at struggles in life, and cling to God through the trials. Some find it easy to praise God and can easily see the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to do that. Some struggle within themselves, trying to make sense of a life that seems to be crumbling around them. I look at the health problems my wife has been suffering through and, as of yet, there seems to be no end in sight. She struggles with this, and those three verses make no sense to her. I wonder how many other “God Fearing” Christians have the same struggles through their trials, regardless of what trials they may be facing.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) – “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Christ is ready and willing to take our burdens from us. The question then comes “How do we give them to Him?” Some might answer with a catch-phrase such as “Let go and let God” but there are many that still don’t understand how to let go. Their trials may be so heavy that they can’t see God, nor will they know how to let go and trust in God. So we need something practical and simple to help those that are struggling, without throwing catch phrases that mean little to them. Of course, what I’m writing here can apply to anyone, not only for those struggling, but for those who are stronger in their faith. It is a faith building exercise that will help us draw closer to the Lord.

Requirements:

• Notebook
• Pencil or Pen
• Bible
• A Quiet Place

Take your notebook, pen/pencil and Bible into your quiet place. Start by opening the notebook and writing down as many of God’s blessings in your life as you can think of. Not only the spiritual blessings, but think of tangible blessings as well. They can be big or small, it doesn’t matter. Once you have a list of all the blessings you can think of, then go to the Lord in prayer, recognizing He is our Father in heaven that loves us more than we can imagine. Thank Him for all the blessings you have listed in your notebook, and ask Him to show you other blessings you may have forgotten. Spend some time in silence, listening for His answer and write down any additional blessings He has reminded you of. Thank the Lord for those blessings as well. After your prayer of thanksgiving, take a passage of Scripture. It doesn’t have to be long. Write that Scripture in your notebook and pray over it. Ask God to show you who He is through that Scripture, His nature and His love. Ask God how you can apply it to your own life, and write those answers you receive down as well.

After the prayer of thanksgiving and the time reading and meditating on the Word, write your needs and wants down. Try to keep needs separate from wants in the list, but don’t hesitate to list everything. When the list is complete, go to the Lord recognizing that God will provide for all of our needs. Pray asking for those things on your list, believing in God’s promises. Thank God once again for the blessings as you close in prayer. You might also want to close with some worship, either singing a song or two from memory, or singing along to a worship CD. That is up to you.

The purpose of all this is to learn to put God and His Will first. As we do this on a daily basis, we will see the blessings increase, and our needs/wants list decrease from God’s answered prayer. As we see this, it will also increase our faith and our trust. Some things might be instantaneous, others might take some time. The important thing is to recognize the blessings and keep going to God for the needs and wants. God will take care of the rest.