The Topic Room: BY FLESH OR BY FAITH?
Many Christians feel frustrated because the victory they are told to anticipate as a follower of Christ does not seem to correspond with their lived experiences. “If I’m supposed to be ‘more than a conqueror’, then why am I constantly struggling?” I may not have a tailored response for your specific situation, but I can give you a foundation that will set you on the right track to living a more victorious life.
Romans Chapter 3, verses 21-22, shows us that we are the righteousness of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Habakkuk Chapter 2, verse 4 reads: ‘The righteous man shall live by his faith.’ The latter verse in Habakkuk lays down the essence by which we must live. Paul further reiterates this point in Romans Chapter 1, verse 17.
The very framework of our new life in Christ hinges on our faith in the finished work of the cross. (Ephesians Chp 2 v 2 8-9). And to please the Father, a good offering of faith will go a long way. (Hebrews Chp 11 v 6). Faith is an imperative requirement for a Christian, and faith in God (and His word) is the engine that must propel the Christian in ALL aspects of life. We must walk in faith to achieve the great things as well as the seemingly menial things. But perhaps the most important reason to live by faith is the assurance that if we do, we will find ourselves walking in God’s tailored purpose for our lives. Living through faith in God is the only way to show Him that we no longer wish to live our lives under the dictates of our flawed reasoning, but we now desire to wholly relinquish all our fleshy desires and adhere to His purpose – walking in the calling with which we are called.
The Christian is designed to live by faith. Cars that are designed to use fuel won’t get very far on water, juice or ketchup. In the same way, a Christian, designed to live by faith, won’t get very far on tears, complaining and doubt. Faith is the fuel that sets in motion the God-given purpose of a Christian’s existence. Confusion, fear and anxiety melt away when we walk in faith because we start to align our will to God’s will. And God’s desire is for us to live a full and dynamic life. This is why a faithless life is actually counter-productive for a Christian. We have been ‘hot-wired’ to accomplish things through faith. The DNA of our new life in Christ is ignited by faith.
The life of a Christian is by no means a dormant one. It is a productive, prosperous, and vibrant life. It is a life that echoes that of its Master. If you’re struggling to build your faith, start by reading the Bible. You can start with a verse a day, then a chapter a day, till you find yourself emersed in the power you will inevitably find its pages. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you, and before you know it, you will fall in love with Him, and faith in Him will come naturally to you. There’s no better feeling than trusting someone whose love for you is so deep and intense.
Faith may be seen as merely a trigger or a catalyst in the spirit realm. We sometimes treat it as a quick ‘shot’ to promptly ensure our desires are met, or we see it as a much-needed potion sprinkled to expedite an answer to our prayers. But faith is so much more. It’s a lifestyle and a declaration to the hosts of Heaven and the inhabitants of Earth that we now function as living and breathing conduits of God’s nature and power. We live by faith, not by our flesh, and in His more than capable hands, we will inevitably display His will, all wrapped up in His radiant glory. Instead of toeing the line of constant defeat, you will soon find yourself declaring – “If I’m supposed to be more than a conqueror, then I will be more than a conqueror, BY FAITH!”
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