By Donnie Carnathan
“I care not today what the morrow may bring, if shadow, or sunshine, or rain. The Lord I know rules over everything, and all my worry is vain. I know that he safely will carry me through, no matter what evil betides. Why should I then care, though the tempests may blow, if Jesus walks close to my side?”
I am sure you recognize that these are the words to that great hymn, Living By Faith. What does it take to trust in God to the point where you are truly living by faith? It takes a belief that without any doubt, God is alive, and working providentially on behalf of our salvation. It takes loyalty and commitment to his kingdom (1 Cor. 4:1-2). It takes living steadfastly to the end, never doubting the victory he promises us (Rev. 2:10). It takes the belief that he will always provide for us, both physically and spiritually, if we will only seek Him first (Matt. 6:33-34). It means believing and claiming all the benefits he has promised us if we will put Him first in our lives (Rom. 15:3, Phil. 4:6-7). It means living with confidence, knowing that God is faithful and just. It is believing that he possesses the power to deliver all He has promised and that he loves us as his most valued creation (Rom. 4:20-25). It means walking with Him in the lead and submitting to his will. It is believing that a life with Christ is far better than a life without Christ (John 15:4-11).
In conclusion, consider the words of the apostle Peter,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:3-9).