There needs to be a renewed commitment to live by faith, not on the basis of a crisis but on the basis of a commitment. Live means “a way of life, a life style.” Not just once in a while, but taking God at His Word day by day. Not on the basis of a crisis that throws us into trusting God, like Jonah (1:15), but on the basis of a commitment, like Peter (Matthew 14:29), who stepped out on the water by choice.
Living by faith and walking by faith is to be a way of living life Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38. God does not want us to draw back from opportunities where our faith is challenged. Whatever is beyond natural possibility, God expects us to walk by faith 2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7. Instead of accepting the challenge of what is only possible by faith, many choose to live by the limitations of what is only naturally possible. God has no pleasure when we do that Hebrews 10:35‑39. It is faith that always has and always will please Him Hebrews 11:6.
Some think it is up to God for them to be blessed, healed, guided, delivered, and have peace; and if it does not happen, it must not be God’s will. Not true. Faith begins where the will of God is known, and His Word is His will; He has given us the authority to act on it.
Some think God will heal, guide, supply, deliver, bless, or whatever because they are basically good people. Doing well is certainly important, and there is a law of sowing and reaping; but God awaits an expression of our faith and does not act on just our goodness. God is moved by our faith.
Some think God responds because He sees their need, their condition, and He is a good God. God has already moved and that is why He sent Jesus. Faith understands that God already moved first in His grace when He sent Jesus, now all that is necessary is a response of faith. New Testament faith responds to the finished work of God in Christ which is a work of grace.
“But I have tried that faith stuff and it has not worked yet; I’m tired of waiting.” The Bible tells us, “Cast not away your confidence,” Hebrews 10:35. Think of the faith of others who waited:
Abraham waited 25 years from promise to fulfillment Genesis 12:1‑4, 75 years old; Genesis 21:5, 100 years old.
Caleb waited 40 years Numbers 14:24; 27‑35; Joshua 14:6‑12.
Noah waited 100 years Genesis 5:36; 6:9‑22, 500 years old; Genesis 7:1‑7, 600 years old.
You are in good company when you have believed God’s Word.
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Pastor John Rasicci is the founder and Pastor of Word of His Grace Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where we are building people who are building the Church. Pastor's ministry mission is to help people discover God's dream for their Life, the Local Church, and the Last Days' Harvest. With a strong emphasis on the grace of God and with a prophetic voice, Pastor John preaches and teaches in churches, conferences, and crusades both locally and throughout the world. He has produced books, tapes, and other teaching materials to empower, enable, and equip Believers with the Word of God. Pastor John is married to his wife Candy who with their three children, Krista, Joanna, John Anthony, and two son-in-laws, Matt and Doug, serve together in the ministry. After graduating from Kent State University, Pastor John pursued a career in professional baseball before accepting the call to the ministry. He and his wife, Candy, received their ministry training from Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
John Rasicci 
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