FAITH ACTIONS

Faith results vary depending on circumstances. Even though faith sees what could become and then takes action, faith can also reject action. Faith is not risky; it is based on solid truth, and so it acts on the truth. Those who see some faith actions as 'risk taking' are those who have mixed fear with faith. Faith will always leave its comfort zone to do things for the Lord.

Reference: Hebrews 11:32-35 New King James Version (NKJV)

'And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.'

If you read through the verses of the above Scripture reference, you'll notice that the faith results differ from each other. In other words, the results vary in description, degree, or nature depending on the circumstances, even though they're of the same general class of faith. In fact the whole of Hebrews chapter 11, listed the various kinds of faith results. This is because the actions that brought the results varied as well.

When we step out in faith toward anything God has in mind for us, God will definitely honour our faith with the appropriate result. Moreover, we hear that when faith didn't produce results, it was not faith. I'm not disputing this truth; however, there's faith that rejects before it produces desirable effect in the long run.

If all you know is the faith that receives, then you'll be full of receiving even the stuffs the Lord wants you to reject. That means, you won't be able to tame your appetite. For instance, the Bible said in Hebrews 11:24 (NIV): 'By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter'. Notice he did it by faith. Do you know what that means? To be regarded as a royalty, yet he rejected an honour coming from a palace, as one of the princes in the courts of Pharaoh. Beloved, this is a faith that rejected a great deal of favour and fame. Remember, this would've given him honour and relevance in Egypt. At least, a lot of people in his position would've done anything possible to mingle with the royals.

Moses rejected everything that would've given him affluence and influence in Egypt, not because He was stupid, but because he was a man of purpose who had a greater reward in mind. That was what set his standard. He looked to a greater reward from God ahead of him. In Hebrews 11:26 (NIV), Moses regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.' It was faith at work too. In the same chapter, it was recorded that some others in the Biblical history's hallmark of faith were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection (see Hebrews 11:35). It was still faith at work!

Think of it this way: as a child of God, you have a faith that allows you to accurately prove and discern what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. This faith grants you a security net that allows you to reject safely. But if your appetite, reputation and self-worth are all tied up in receiving every favour in your pathway, then your most fulfilling reward is human approval. Many a time, a faith that rejects will fuel your progress later, as long as you're in tune with God's Spirit.

Scripture Reading - Daniel 3:16-30; Matthew 17:20; Hebrews 11; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 2:16.

Exuberant Declaration:

My faith produces results based on the truth of God's Word. My faith also rejects action based on the leading of the Holy Spirit. In every situation, I'm thankful and grateful to God because I'm positioned by my faith to live a higher life of glory and excellence and to fulfil my glorious destiny in God. Hallelujah!