“The gospel was preached to us as well as to them, but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (Hebrews 4:2).
Faith is extremely important. It is the link that connects us to all of God’s promises—it is what brings every blessing to us. But here we are not talking about a dead faith, but a living faith. There is a great difference between the two. It is like someone telling me that ten thousand dollars are deposited in my name at a certain bank. I may believe this information, but if I do not act and withdraw the money, that belief will not benefit me at all.
Unbelief, on the other hand, closes the door and prevents the blessing from arriving. It manifests itself directly in disobedience to God. All of God’s promises are intended for those who obey, but many choose not to obey because they doubt whether they will really receive what God offers to the faithful. It is the lack of faith that fuels disobedience, leading to a life distant from the blessings the Lord desires to pour out.
A living faith, on the other hand, is active and practical. It leads us to act based on what God has promised, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill His Word. True faith motivates us to obey, even without seeing, because we know that God honors those who follow His instructions. It is this faith that opens the doors of heaven and allows us to experience the riches of God’s promises. -Adapted from D. L. Moody. See you tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, help me to cultivate a living faith, one that connects me to Your promises and leads me to act with confidence in Your Word. Deliver me from a dead faith, which only believes without acting, and teach me to put into practice what You ask of me. May my trust in You be reflected in obedience, even when I do not immediately see the results.
My Father, today I ask You to strengthen my faith to overcome any doubt that distances me from Your will. Help me to live in such a way that my obedience demonstrates my trust in Your promises. Give me courage to follow Your instructions, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill everything You promise to those who obey You.
Oh, Most Holy God, I adore You and praise You for being a faithful God, worthy of all trust. Thank You for Your promises that never fail and for honoring those who live by faith. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law has been a strong beacon guiding me in this life. Your beautiful commandments are like jewels to me. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
