Inspirational Message: Let Us Live By Faith and God’s Wisdom

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians that his message and preaching were not with persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that our faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. Paul also declared that he did not come with eloquence or human wisdom when he proclaimed the testimony about God. He only claimed to know Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.

James 1:5 tells us if we need wisdom to ask God and it will be given to us. He lets us know in verse 12 that if we do not give up when our faith is tested, we will be blessed. God will reward us with a glorious life just as He rewards everyone who loves Him!

How much faith do we need? What makes us see the true glory of Jesus Christ? We cannot discern such answers on our own. Only through the wisdom from God can we receive the gift of faith and see the Messiah, the Son of the living God and know when we are truly blessed! Jesus promised that with mustard seed faith (Matthew 17: 20-21), we can move a mountain and also everything can be possible for us. Having enough faith was how a demon possessed boy was healed in Matthew 17. Jesus told His disciples that their stubbornness hindered their faith to heal. In 1 Corinthians 13:2 we are told that if we have faith that moves mountains, we are nothing if we do not love others.

Is there power in God’s good news? How can we grow stronger in faith? Paul wanted to share with the Romans (chapter 1) prayers of thanks to God, service to God and the good news about Jesus Christ. He wanted to share the same blessings that God’s Spirit had given him. Later Paul expected them to grow stronger in faith. We can always encourage each other with our own faith. According to Paul, God’s powerful way of saving all people who have faith whether they were Jews or Gentiles, made him proud as an apostle.

How does God accept us? He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3). All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God who always treats us better than we deserve. Because of Jesus Christ, God freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins! Christ, who was sent to be our sacrifice, offered His life’s blood so that by faith in Him we can come to God, our heavenly Father.

We can boast about our faith, a priceless gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). We as God’s people are acceptable because we have faith. Does God belong only to the Jews? Isn’t He also God of the Gentiles? There is only one God for everyone. Do we destroy the law by our faith? No, because we make the law even more powerful! May we be peaceful and happy as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God. In addition to everything else, we should be happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.