The Building Blocks of Faith: A Refining Moment

Most of us are familiar with the definition of faith, however; I want to delve into it a little deeper using the acronym F.A.I.T.H. as it relates to key characteristics, we must possess as believers in Christ Jesus.

We see a variety of refining moments of faith that reaches its pinnacle in the lives of great biblical men and women.

Each of them possessed an unwavering faith that carried them through tough times and tested their resolve to hold on to God’s infallible word no matter the consequences.

We, too, must possess an unwavering faith for what we’re seeing today and what lies ahead.

First, let’s start out with a reminder of the definition of faith.

We find in the Book of Hebrews 11:1 these words, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

We pray and believe not yet seeing the manifestation and/or evidence of what we’re hoping to see.

This can be tough sometimes if one is impatient and accustomed to instant gratification. However, I believe this is why in 2 Peter 1:5 his letter to the Church exhorts them to add patience to their faith.

Why? Peter knew there would be refining moments in each of our faith journey which will require the patience of Job.

Do you know what happens when something is being refined? The definition of refined: to remove impurities (doubt/unbelief for the believer) or unwanted element from a substance. Remaining faithful to Christ in spite of hardships defeats unbelief in our lives. Let’s explore this truth further.

Since God gave every man a measure of faith, the F in our faith is foundational. As we began to look at the measure of faith Christ has given us, we began to understand what Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed-ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

In addition, when we take a look at the A in faith, we see that clearly in the Book of James 2:14-17. The A in faith is action.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? James answers this in verse 17, Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

We must take action as Abraham did when he obeyed God concerning his son Isaac. Remember, there is always a ram in the bush.

The I in faith is integrity. We see this being upheld in the life of David. King David fought many battles and trusted God in them all. In Psalms 41:12, he prays “And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face forever. David remain faithful until the end and never charged God falsely.

Another building block of faith is T for trust. Our faith requires us to have complete and total trust in Christ. The story of Job epitomizes this trust. Even when circumstances pushes us to the very limit of our endurance, like Job we must declare “though he slay me, yet will I trust him (Job 13:15).

The final letter in the building block of faith is H which represents healing. Jesus performed many healings during his ministry on earth and continues to do so today. Praise the Lord, his healing is one that “makes us whole” body, soul and spirit.

Come join us at the Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle, 212 County Road 2232 in Douglassville. Our Sunday church service begins at 11 a.m. Call 430-342-4829 for prayer and any other information.