WE UNDERSTAND BY FAITH

MONDAY 26 JULY 2021

What does it mean to understand by faith? By looking at the Greek word for understanding, which is "suniēmi", it suggests in this context, the ability to confirm, interpret and become aware of something that exists (as it is). It is perception with the thing perceived or rather, having the accurate knowledge of those things which pertain to what is perceived.

Reference: Hebrews 11:3 English Standard Version (ESV)

"By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible."

There is an understanding that comes by faith. This understanding is an evidence of assurance and conviction. In other words, by faith we are sure and convinced that the universe was formed by the spoken Word of God. The Bible says, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple" (Psalm 119:130). Understanding that comes by faith in Christ acknowledges that every Word that comes from the very mouth of God has the power and authority to establish its mission. This indicates that the Word is a messenger that cannot return until it has fulfilled His mission. It will always accomplish everything God wants it to and achieve the purpose for which He sends it.

When God said, "Let there be light", it became a decree and light emerged (see Genesis 1:3 NIV). Interestingly, His Word is all that was needed. No other external material. And it was perfect in creating what was in God's mind without trial and error. More so, whatever is seen in original creation was made out of things that are invisible. In other words, God called into existence the things that never existed (Romans 4:17 ESV). He is not just the God that gives life to dead things, He creates something from nothing. And in Christ, He created us to function as like-minded by faith and so all we need is enough faith to speak His Word that will transform the undesirable into an environment of blessing, depending on what we desire to see.

No matter how shapeless, chaotic or hopeless it may seem, God's Word from your lips contains all the necessary element for the fulfilment of your desire, according to His will. Everything and anything you want to create by the Word combines the idea of your perfect imagination with that of absolute, divine authority. So you can speak those desires and expectations that are not, as though they are, and then sit back, and watch them come to pass. No wonder the Bible says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits" (Proverbs 18:21 ESV). I believe we all must choose to consistently speak life in any circumstance or condition in life so as to enjoy the fruit of our words.

2 Corinthians 4:6 (KJV) reads: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." This is exactly what God did for us. He made His light shine in our hearts and this light is the gospel of salvation that empowers us to understand by faith. "Christ in you" is the source of this light. As you grow in the knowledge of the Word, the glory shining from the face of Christ will reflect in your understanding. And as you function with this understanding tied to knowledge, your faith-filled words and declarations fulfil and establish everything you could ever want. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 4:7; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Ephesians 1:17; 1 John 5:20.

Exuberant Declaration:

I perceive and understand by faith that God calls things that be not as though they were, so that what is seen is made out of the unseen. In Christ, I function by this principle and obtain the same results. As I grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the gospel shines and illuminates my understanding more and more, and I reflect the glory of God revealed from faith to faith. Hallelujah!