"Give Us More Faith"

DEMONSTRATING OUR FAITH

How do we demonstrate that we have living faith? The disciple James answers that questions by saying:  "I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18) Our actions will show that we have real faith.  let us look at some examples.

Sharing in the preaching work is an excellent way  to demonstrate our faith. Why is that?  This work requires that we have faith in God's timing of the coming end of this system of things, believing that "it will not be late!" (Habakkuk 2:3) One way to measure our faith is to look at the extent to which we are willing to expend ourselves in the ministry. Are we doing all we can, perhaps even seeking ways to expand our share in the work? (2 Corinthians 13:5) Yes, making "public declaration for salvation" is a powerful way to show that we have faith in our heart. -Read Romans 10:10. 

We can also show our faith as we grapple with the challenges of daily life.  Whether we face illness, discouragement, depression, poverty, or other trying problems, we have confidence  that Jehovah and his Son will "help  us at the right time." (Hebrews 4:16) We show such confidence  by praying for help that is not limited to our spiritual needs. Jesus said that we can pray for material things, including "bread according to our daily needs."  (Luke 11:3)  Bible accounts convince us that Jehovah can provide  for us. During a severe drought in Israel, Jehovah provided Elijah with food and water."  The ravens were bringing him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the stream," as Jehovah had directed.  (1 Kings 17:3-6) We have faith that Jehovah can maneuver matters so that we too have what we need. 

We have confidence that applying Bible principles can help us put food on the table. Rebecca, a married sister in Asia, found this to be true of her family.  They have applied Matthew 6:33 and Proverbs 10:4 in their life by putting  Kingdom interests first and by being diligent workers.  Rebecca says that at one point her husband  felt that the nature and pressure of his secular work might endanger their spirituality, so he resigned. However, they had four children to support. Rebecca tells what happened:  "We began to make confections and selling them. Over the years that we made a living this way, we felt that Jehovah never abandoned us. We never missed a single meal."  Have you too been able to demonstrate your belief that the Bible provides the best guidance available to people today? 

We must never doubt that if we follow God's direction, it will turn out for our good.  Paul, quoting the inspired words of Habakkuk, wrote:  "The righteous on will live by reason of faith." (Galatians 3:11; Habakkuk  2:4)  Therefore, it is vital that we put faith in the One who can really help.  Paul reminds us that God is "the one who can, according to his power that is  operating in us, do more than super-abundantly beyond  all the things we ask or conceive." (Ephesians 3:20) Jehovah's servants do all they can to carry out the will of God, but knowing their limitations, they trust in Jehovah to bless the outcome.  Are we not glad that our God is with us?  

Next time: "Give Us More Faith" - REQUESTS FOR FAITH ANSWERED 

From The Watchtower magazine