Living With Unshakeable Faith

od is everything you will ever need. He (God) said to Jeremiah: "I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27.

HOW DO we live with unshakeable faith? How do we stand strong in the midst of the storm? In order to do this, we need to recognise and respond to God's invitation: "... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith ... ." Hebrews 10:22.

Because of the blood of Jesus that was shed for us, the truth is that we can enter into God's presence with full assurance that He accepts and hears us. The invitation is this: Since the way has been cleared for us, let us draw near to God.

We must also recognise and respond to God's faithfulness: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23. Despite appearances and disappointments, we must not waver. We must stand strong and firm in Christ.

hold fast in hope

Hope does not disappoint, Scripture says. We are not only to hold fast in hope, but we need to recognise and respond to our need of each other. Life can be tough, and we are not designed to live it alone, and it is especially important that we do not try to live the Christian life alone.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that a healthy spiritual life is found in realising that we need each other. "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together ... ." Hebrews 10:24-25.

He gives us three commands to obey that will help us in achieving unshakeable faith:

1. Spur one another on to love and good deeds:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

We are to provoke others from mere talk into actions when it comes to love and good deeds. We are not to be just talkers, but doers. This is why we become members of a church. We are joining with each other to succeed; to encourage others spiritually through, love, patience, acts of kindness, and through the power of example.

meeting together

2. Don't give up meeting together: "Let us not give up meeting together ... ." Hebrews 10:25.

The word used for meeting together conveys a formal gathering. So let us not forsake the formal gathering of Christians. Why would this be so important that the Holy Spirit would see fit to include it in the Bible? Truth is, we simply cannot do it alone. Our faith is too flimsy to stay strong without the love and support we get from one another. We need one another to survive spiritually, to stand strong.

3. Let us encourage one another: "... let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25.

The day is approaching for the return of Christ. The closer that day is, the more seriously we need to take our responsibility to encourage one another. You and I have the power to change a life with a kind and encouraging word. The fact is, practising encouragement is a Christian duty and is part of the Christian walk.

Therefore, Christianity and unshakeable faith is not about what we can do for ourselves, but rather, who God is, what He has done, and the approach to life within the community of believers.

- Dwight Fletcher is pastor of Transformed Life Church. Send feedback to familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com.