WITHOUT FAITH

But he who doubts
is condemned if he eats,
because he does not eat from faith;
for whatever is not from faith is sin.
Romans 14:23

Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him”.  This verse is a reminder to us that whenever God reveals something, He expects us to believe Him and adjust our lives accordingly. What does it mean to live without faith? How does that compare to living with faith?

Faithlessness

At times we try to justify our lack of faith. Although we may know what God has promised, yet still we doubt that He will make a practical difference in our life. God calls this faithlessness. Faithlessness is sin. Consider these examples:

• Making excuses when we are filled with anxiety by saying: “I am just a worrier!”
• Feeling bitter during a crisis and declaring that “God could not possibly bring anything good out of this pain!”
• Appealing for help from everyone around us when we have a need; then explaining: “I know God can provide for my needs, but I think I should do everything I can, just in case.”
  
  

Faithfully

Instead of trying to justify our lack of faith, we should focus on the Scriptures to renew and strengthen it! Look at these examples:

• Trusting Him implicitly for all of our needs because He says He will provide (Philippians 4:19).
• Approaching crises with the assurance that God will bring good from them (Romans 8:28).
• Overcoming anxiety during stressful situations because God instructs us to bring our requests to Him (Philippians 4:6).
• Never worrying that we are alone because God said He would never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).

As you pray today, thank God for giving us His promises, and thank Him also for giving us the Scriptures so that we can read His Word in our times of need. Ask Him to guide you through the Scripture, to help you renew your perspective, renew your strength, and give you a renewed sense of His peace. Amen.

Source:
“Experiencing God Day-By-Day; The Devotional and Journal”, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby ©1997. Entry February 7.

Additional Reading:
Walk With Integrity
A Little Faith