Have you ever considered how easy it is for us to speak out the right words, Christian cliches, etc., without really meditating on the true meanings? Words like love, trust, faith and obedience, all carry an immense responsibility to the Christian to make sure those things are actively working in our lives, in our relationships with others, and in our ministry callings. It is so easy for us to ”talk the walk” ~ but it is entirely another thing to “walk the talk”! Take the word “faith” for example. “Without faith it is impossible to please God” the Bible clearly declares (Hebrews 11:6).

How do we get faith in the first place? According to the Bible it comes “By hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The “word” here is from the Greek “rhema” which is speaking of a present tense “now” word; that which is quickened in our spirit by the Holy Spirit; that which comes directly from God Himself. This is not the written word, but the spoken word. (The “rhema” word spoken will always be confirmed by the principles of the written word.) Christianity is all about a living, day-to-day relationship with Jesus who talks to His people today. Unless and until we hear that “rhema” word in our own lives, then we are unlikely to respond to God in that kind of faith which pleases Him. More often than not we will only be responding in presumption. And presumption does not produce the fruit that God is looking for.

I have been a Christian for over 48 years, and in Christian ministry for virtually all of that time. It seems that we Christians have need to rediscover the very basic “roots” of the Christian faith. In recent years I have learned so much more about faith ~ especially since God called Jean and me to walk and live by faith at the end of 1999. We have learned that whenever God speaks that ”rhema” word to us, if we want to see the fulfilment of that word, then we have to do something. We have to commit to that word in a practical way and demonstrate to God that we believe that it is Him Who is speaking to us. That “committing in a practical way” is the outworking of our believing. How else can we demonstrate to God that we believe Him if we are not willing to commit our lives to whatever He says to us? For us, the past nine years have been a journey of seeing God provide for us ~ without our asking other Christians to financially support us and The GFM Ministry. As we have learned the principle of faith more fully we have seen God provide for us in amazing ways. The GFM has grown to impact many more lives around the world, and continues to grow. Active faith demonstrates to God (and others) that “Faith with works” works! (James 2:14-26).

If our lives and ministries are based upon obedience to that which God has spoken to us, then surely we can expect to see “the God factor” shining through in that which we do! Be encouraged to develop more of that faith which pleases God! ~ Rodney W. Francis.

Bible  Readings:  Hebrews 11; The Boo k of James. 

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