God gives us a measure of faith. We need to have the Word and the Spirit in operation to activate that faith – we need to keep the divine connection open with the Lord to keep that faith active.
After the divine connection comes the divine order – God wants to set our footsteps in alignment and keep us on a steady path of walking by faith. Perfecting that faith comes through the (generally unpleasant) tests that come into our lives. They are intended to perfect our faith.
Consider Adam and Eve. When they were in obedience to the Lord, by faith, their provisions were met. They were not sick, they would have lived forever. The curse came with disobedience – when their faith failed and they listened to the enemy. They had to toil for everything, and they began to die. In the life of the Christian we can see that same thing. When we get out of faith and into disobedience, the curse becomes apparent in our lives. When we are in faith and obedient, the blessing is in operation.
When we’re living by faith, there should be a visible change. God’s Word changes us, and our works should demonstrate our faith. Works of faith are, by definition, works of love.
Key Scriptures: Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 49:15, Psalm 71:6, Psalm 139:13-19, James 1:2-4, Romans 12:1-3, Daniel 11:32, Galatians 5:1-6
