from A Heart Like God's series
Homework for Faith is Evidence
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith That Works by Love: Gathering Evidence from God's Faithfulness
Faith and love are deeply intertwined in the Christian life. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that “faith works through love” (Galatians 5:6 NKJV). This connection reveals that our faith is not just a passive belief but an active force, energized and guided by love. Understanding how faith operates through love helps us see how our connection with God’s faithfulness can transform our lives. Here’s how to gather evidence from God's track record and use it to build a stronger, more vibrant faith.
Gathering Evidence from God’s Faithfulness
Faith is often portrayed as a belief in the unseen, a conviction of what we hope for despite not having physical evidence. But the Bible presents faith as deeply connected to the evidence of God’s past actions and promises. Great faith is to trust in the character of God. Great faith is to lay aside our doubt and choose to take Him at His word. When we look at God’s track record, we find a rich history of faithfulness that serves as a foundation for our trust in Him.
One powerful example of this is the story of Sarah, Abraham's wife. In Genesis 18, we find Sarah’s initial reaction to God’s promise that she would bear a son in her old age:
"So Sarah laughed within herself, saying, 'After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?'” (Genesis 18:12 NKJV)
Initially, Sarah’s laughter revealed doubt. However, in the New Testament, we see a transformation in her faith. Hebrews 11:11 says:
"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised." (NKJV)
Sarah’s faith or trust grew as she considered God’s promise and His faithfulness. She reflected on the evidence of God’s past actions and concluded that He was trustworthy. Despite her advanced age, she began to see beyond her physical limitations and trust in God’s power and faithfulness. Her faith in God’s promise was not based on her circumstances but on the character and reliability of God. As a result, she became fertile and conceived Isaac, fulfilling the promise that God had made.
Sarah’s example teaches us that faith involves considering God’s past faithfulness and trusting Him beyond our immediate circumstances. Her change in perspective—from laughter to trust—demonstrates how reflecting on God’s track record can transform our doubts into faith.
Heart Reflection Questions
1. Am I Looking to God’s Character or My Circumstances to Build My Faith?
Reflect on whether your faith is based on your current circumstances or on the evidence of God’s past faithfulness. Are you allowing temporary situations to dictate your trust in God, or are you grounding your faith in His proven reliability?
2. How Often Do I Review and Remember God's Past Faithfulness?
Consider how frequently you recall and meditate on the ways God has been faithful in your life and in Scripture. Do you take time to remember His past actions as evidence of His continued faithfulness?
3. Do I Trust God’s Word More Than My Immediate Feelings or Experiences?
Assess whether you rely on the promises and truths found in God’s Word over your immediate feelings or experiences. Are you willing to trust what the Bible says about God’s character and His plans for you, even when your feelings or circumstances suggest otherwise?
Action Steps for Using God's Track Record to Persuade Your Heart
1. Regularly Review Biblical Accounts of God’s Faithfulness
Set aside time to read and reflect on stories in the Bible that showcase God's faithfulness, such as the deliverance of Israel from Egypt (Exodus 14), the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), and the promises fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ. Let these stories remind you of God's consistent character and His ability to act on behalf of His people.
2. Keep a Journal of Personal Testimonies
Maintain a journal where you record instances of God's faithfulness in your own life. Write down answered prayers, moments of divine provision, and personal experiences of His love and guidance. Refer back to this journal regularly to reinforce your faith and remind yourself of God's active presence in your life.
3. Meditate on Promises and Affirmations from Scripture
Choose specific Bible verses that affirm God's promises and His nature, such as Romans 8:28 ("And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose") or 1 Corinthians 10:13 ("No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able"). Memorize and meditate on these verses to strengthen your faith and align your perception with God's kingdom.
Faith is not merely a mental exercise; it is an active, dynamic trust that works through love. By gathering evidence from God’s track record and reflecting on His faithfulness, we build a stronger, more resilient faith. This approach not only prepares us to face challenges with confidence but also aligns our hearts with God’s spiritual influence, refining our perception of His kingdom and leading us to live more fully in His grace and purpose.
So, take time to reflect on God’s past faithfulness, use it as evidence to build your faith, and let it transform your understanding and experience of His kingdom.
This message and article are from “A Heart Like God’s” series by Clint Byars. Click to read all the articles and watch the sermons in this series from this series. Or watch this series on YouTube.
