“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Some folks are in a dilemma when it comes to differentiating between faith and faithfulness. They are faithful in serving the Lord, but from time to time, they go through a lot of hardships in their lives and wonder why God won’t respond even though they’ve been very faithful in serving Him. “I’ve been serving God faithfully for so many years, why wouldn’t He do this or do that for me?” they ask. This has even led to some becoming sad and bitter, especially when they observe those who they perceive as being less faithful than they, living more fulfilled lives.
Faithfulness is one of the most important virtues every child of God must exhibit. Make no mistakes about it, God will surely credit and bless you for your faithfulness towards Him. The more faithful you are, the greater the level of responsibilities that are committed to you! This is why Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). But as wonderful as faithfulness is, it won’t change things in your life. It will not bring the money you require, or get rid of sickness from your physical body! It takes faith to change hopeless or challenging situations.
The Bible didn’t say “faithfulness is the victory that overcomes the world” but that faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). Poverty and sickness will not respond to your faithfulness; but they’ll respond to your faith! It’s your faith in God’s Word that will change things.
If you’ve been feeling that God has neglected you in spite of your faithfulness, then you’ve confused faithfulness with faith. Build your faith strong with the Word of God, and you’ll be able to face any crisis and win. You’ll be able to change hopeless situations. When your faith is built and strengthened, nothing will successfully stand against you.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for teaching me the difference between faith and faithfulness. As I walk by faith and faithfully serve you, I know that I’ll live an exciting, fulfilling and victorious life, where I reign and rule in life and constantly experience success and promotions in every area of my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study
Hebrews 10:38: “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him”
1 Corinthians 4:1-2: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful”
(Taken by permission from Christ Embassy Church , aka Believer’s LoveWorld Ministries , Lagos, Nigeria. www.ChristEmbassy.org )
