God’s Faith

Evangelicals see Biblical faith as a divine gift. But that is where it stops. This matter calls for serious reflection. However, the time spent considering it is worthwhile.

Elements of this concept necessitate a spiritual faith humans lack the capacity to produce or transmit. Accepting God’s identity isn’t the same as having spiritual faith. It is a deep conviction implanted by God; a part of Himself is implanted in everyone. “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 (ESV)

The mystery intensifies when considering how a nonbeliever might submit to God. John 3:16 specifically says, “whosoever believes.” A nonbeliever believing in God raises the question: what kind of faith is that? John wrote, “Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust [same basic Greek word used of the crowd] himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25 (ESV) Obviously, we see two types of belief, or faith, here. The Holy Spirit inspired the humanity of Jesus to discern the difference in their type of faith.

I often pondered Paul’s words, “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7 (ESV) And, “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 (ESV)

 Could it be that this ‘’measure of faith’ came with ‘eternity’ that was planted in the hearts of mankind? (Ecclesiastes 3:11) With this in mind, could it be that everyone is given enough of His faith to respond to the Father’s drawing of a person to Jesus? (John 6:44) The question is not, does such a person have faith, as much as it is, what do they do with the measure given them?

Biblical texts place great importance on what a person desires. The distractions of the disciples’ rejection and Jesus’ apparent insult only strengthened, not weakened, the gentile woman’s faith in who Jesus was. (Matthew 15:22-28) When Jesus saw the depth of her conviction, He said she had “great faith,” a contrast to Peter’s “little faith” demonstrated during his walk on water. Though she couldn’t manufacture faith, she built upon the measure of faith given her by forcefully pushing past the distractions. This would be a complete contrast to those in who refused to glorify God. (Romans 1:18-25)

We don’t have stronger faith because we haven’t sought to know Him more earnestly. To grow in faith, I need to examine my desire for closeness to Him. Then vow to feed it by making time to mediate on His Word until He reveals more of Himself to me.  Then never stop chasing after knowing Him more deeply. I’ve discovered that journaling my reflections on what scripture says about Him and His relationship with humanity strengthens my faith. He attends to those who crave Him. Are you content with your faith, or do you long for a deeper connection? How have you been striving to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with Him? He satisfies those who hunger and thirst for Him.

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