Practical Faith

 

In Scripture the definition of faith is as follows:

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

This same chapter also informs us:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6”

Scripture also tells us:

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:14-15”

Jesus also instructs us:

“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:23-24”

These are just a few passages of scripture among many that encourage us to bring our petitions before God. The primary gift we are to request of the Father is the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit guides us to desire what we should ask of God (Psalm 37:4).

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13”

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13”

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27”

In light of this knowledge is it wise for us to limit God in our requests? Not only in what we request, but by giving God timelines and methods by which to accomplish our requests.

“Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.  {DA 330.1}”

So, what prompted this analysis? I was in a conversation recently about marriage and all the things to consider if one has the desire to be married. All the criteria given us by inspiration were mentioned: don’t be unequally yoked, no wide age gap, among other things. Then the age of a woman came up with reference to the limited window for childbearing. My comment was that Sarah and Elizabeth existed, to the point that a woman’s age should not be a major criterion. This was derided as looking for a miracle. This response did not sit well with me. I have seen many women rush into ill advised marriages because they felt this pressure, internally and externally.

This idea of living practically and realistically has led so many of us away from true faith. We’ve all heard pastors preaching about Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah that they could have bent down to tie their shoes when the music was played. That would have been the “practical” “realistic” thing to do. But they didn’t. David stood over Saul’s sleeping body twice, the “practical” “realistic” thing to do was to kill Saul and take his place as king. He didn’t do this either. We also have Abraham’s example of doing the “practical” “realistic” thing, having a child by Hagar, and Elkanah taking Peninnah. We know the outcome of all these examples. God was glorified in Babylon. David was the greatest human king Israel ever had. Abraham and Elkanah both had discord in their homes due to unsanctioned marriages.

Trusting God’s timing and methods is always the best path. Holding to God direct instructions in the face of delay and uncertainty is the only safe path. When we live the life of faith, we cannot limit outcomes to merely the natural order. Yes, God works every day through the natural order of things; however, when we are living the life of faith our minds need to be open to both natural and supernatural means, because God functions beyond our five senses.

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26”

If our requests are in the will of God for us and we cannot see how they will come to pass, that is no reason to “make excuses” and try to “give God an out”.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD's hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not. Numbers 11:23”

It is an offense to God when we try to answer our own prayers, forcing circumstances that He has deemed fit that we should not be in. Faith demands that we stand still and see the Lord work (Exodus 14:13, 14).

“The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises.  {DA 668.1}”

True practical, realistic, logical faith does not put any limits on God. He is longing for us to have the pure faith that He could take us beyond our grandest thoughts or imaginations.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21”