By For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
You gotta have faith! This statement is absolutely true when it comes to how we relate to God. Hebrews 11:6 states it this way, “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.” There are different circumstances in which we are privileged to use our faith.
The moment we realize and admit that we are sinners and need our Savior, saving faith is evident. We can ask for forgiveness and give our lives to God believing that he will hear and answer our prayers. God saves us and cleanses us simply because we believe that the sacrifice Jesus made was enough — according to scripture, it surely is enough! Romans 3:24-26 says, “And all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood — to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” This is just the beginning of our many opportunities to use our faith.
As we live for the Lord, our faith will be tested by various life concerns. Health concerns, family issues, financial problems — anything that concerns us concerns God. Nothing is too big or too small to pray about and believe that He will answer. Scripture calls it “casting our cares on Him because He cares for us”. Hebrews 4:16 states it beautifully, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that way we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
I think of the old song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” when I study this scripture. If we think on these song lines, we have to admit there is no reason to refrain from praying about all our concerns.
Oh, what peace we often forfeit;
Oh, what needless pain we bear;
All because we do not carry:
Everything to God in prayer
So, we have saving faith and faith for everyday life. We also have overcoming faith that will carry us through this life and through all eternity. As we look at the condition of our world, we definitely know this is not Heaven. There is something much better — better than we could ever imagine — prepared for us. Listen to the voice of Jesus as He says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)
Yes, someday we will see just how great our faith has been. We will come through it all victorious because of our faith in God. Then we will each hear the words we have been longing to hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou unto the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 