|
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
*Romans 10.17, ESV
There is a natural progression in trusting God. "Faith" arises from "hearing." Hearing what? The "Word of Christ." Hence, Romans 10.17 has the sequence "Word of Christ," "hearing," and "faith."
This means that faith is not a mere act of will-power. We cannot think ourselves to faith. We cannot merit ourselves to faith. We cannot work ourselves to faith.
This humbles us: We cannot get faith. I want to write that again, for it goes against much that we are conditioned to assume: "We cannot get faith."
So, how do we come to have faith? We position ourselves to be given faith. Often, too, we have to get humiliated to be humble enough to hear what Christ says, rather than all the other voices in our head and heart.
So, faith springs from the Word of Christ. What is this Word? Christ speaks the Word to us in many ways, and often it is not a verbal word, spoken or unspoken, that proves to be Christ's Word.
God may speak by giving us peace deep inside us; He may give a creative idea; He may calm our troubled emotions; He may give us assurance. God speaks in various ways, but if we seek Him we will find Him.
*Joyce Meyer. The Battle Belongs to the Lord. 7.
Proverbs 3.5-6 shows the way to receive the Word of God in our particular life situations.
5With all your heart [mind]
you must trust [lean on] the LORD
and not your own judgment.
6Always let him lead you,
and he will clear the road
for you to follow [before you].
I went to a worship service to be among the laity, which I rarely get to do, since I am a pastor. I had been nervous before the preaching, for it was a new place and had a different worship style than I was used to. The sermon, however, calmed and focused me. I listened and heard the Word of Christ. I imbibed like a thirsty person dying for life-giving water. Though the sermon was long, I felt that I could listen for hours. Other words were silenced. Even the words of the pastor did not take priority, but how Christ used his words to address my mind and heart. I remember that message weeks later, for it was not simply a sermon that I heard, but the Word of Christ. Faith within me grew.
Possibly, the hardest thing to do is to silence our "words" to hear the "Word of Christ." Yet, that is exactly what we must do to hear the Word for us.
Now, possibly you need an increase in faith, or a confirmation of faith. Remember, the Word of Christ, any way God may speak to you in glorification of Christ, will come, if you prepare yourself to listen. Then, from that Word to your heart and mind, faith will grow or be confirmed for you.
In what ways do you receive the Word of Christ? Is there one way you seem most receptive to the Word? Explain.
* * *
*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of mystical love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives in Punta Gorda, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with his wife, step-son, and two beloved dogs. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a vowed, contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with God-in-Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons, along with empathic relating with other world religions, East and West. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry, for all spiritual seekers.
|
