“My faith” is not adequate

When a person first trusts in Jesus, we think it is our trust and use terms like “my faith.” How little do we realize that this is a faulty concept. The faith that we have, large or small, is a gift from God. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9, italics added)

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3, italics added)

Faith is from God, given as a gift through the medium of His Word. “Faith comes by hearing . . . the Word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

When I think that faith is mine or something I have to conjure up or make happen, I become like the disciples in their professions and boasting before Christ died and before they were given the Holy Spirit. In a discussion at that time about His departure, 

His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:29–33)

Jesus knew that their faith was not sufficient for the events that would soon happen. Boldly they declared that they would never forsake Him, but all of them did, even Peter who followed him right into the court of the High Priest. Three times he was approached and accused of being a disciple of Christ. Three times he denied it. His “faith” failed him.

Faith from God is different from the faith I muster. However, I can build upon the faith He gives me. It is not by argument, rationalization, or determination. Instead, faith is made stronger by thinking about and focusing on the object of my faith.

Sometimes I ask myself questions such as, “Is anything too hard for God?” or “What makes me think God does not love me?” These are usually rhetorical because I know the answers. They come from the Word of God and affirm that God is all powerful, loves with an everlasting love, and so on. The questions remind me of what the Bible says. Since the Word of Christ is the source of faith (not the questions), faith is strengthened by reviewing what it says.

*****

Oh God, You always bless me. You are in charge of even my ability to believe in You. I cannot do it myself. Your Word says that “No one seeks You.” On my own, I would do my own thing and come up with my own version of faith, but it would be based on my choices, decisions and reasoning, not on what You say.

But human faith does not save a person. It is inadequate because my ability to think godly thoughts and affirm truth is marred by sin. Sin is me doing my own thing rather than trusting and obeying You.

Over and over You remind me that salvation is Your work, not mine. Faith is Your work too. You gave it as a gift through the written Word You have given me, and through Christ, the living Word who is the object of faith and the One who gives me life.