Faith Forward

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

According to this verse, we know that God is our Lord and faith is what pleases Him most. Yet you may ask:

• Where does faith come from?
• How does a young person get it?
• Can a teenager become mighty in the spirit?

Empowerment Through Faith

We receive empowerment through faith by connecting with the message of truth. Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (KJV)

As we absorb Scripture, our hearts uplink to the satellite of Heaven where our commanding officer directs us by His spirit. This is God positioning where we receive an impartation of life and a measure of faith to go and share the goodness of God with others. But we must turn our hearts away from the distractions of this world to receive the signal of the Holy Spirit. We do so by aligning our inner man with holiness. That means we move away from sin towards righteousness.
 
I Peter 3:10-12 says, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (NIV)
 
A young person who is serious about his or her walk with God wants to put their best faith forward. Such an individual might also like the 19th century English hymn, “Onward, Christian Soldiers”, which also was adopted by The Salvation Army as its favored processional.

II Timothy 2:1, 3-4 encourages, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.”

A teenager (or anyone for that matter) who is mighty in the spirit must learn two important spiritual lessons: obedience to God and service to others. These good works are counted as righteousness and God hears the faith-filled prayers of such a young man or woman.  
 
John 15:14-16 says, “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (NIV)
 
Jesus makes God’s will known to us. He forwards what God is doing, saying, and planning to us so that we can take part in God's Great Commission or last day plan in the earth to draw all men to himself who will be saved. Jesus always causes us to move onward and to advance in the things of his Spirit.
 
The Lord Jesus is not reluctant about the promises of God. He is not retiring. Rather through the continuing miracle of the cross, He advances the kingdom of God and by his blood we are redeemed and set apart for service.

Never doubt God knows you through-and-through. He foresaw your dynamic future in eternity with Him. It's very exciting that He imparts the same boldness He received for service in ministry to you and me. We are empowered by faith as mighty Christians because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross.
 
Hebrews 11:1 declares, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (NIV)
 
Do you believe by faith for God to answer a prayer?

• Perhaps you're a senior who has applied for a scholarship to college and you're waiting for the answer.
  
• Or maybe you're having family problems. Your parents just told you they plan to divorce. And you need faith now more than ever to hold on.
  
• Or you could be moving this summer and changing schools next year. You might be sad about leaving your friends behind and you need of a fresh touch of God's Spirit to finish the current school year strong.

Here's a message of encouragement from I Peter especially for youth:

"Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 5:5-11, NIV).

No matter what you are believing for remember there’s nothing too hard for God. The Lord Jesus will cause every blessing to come and overtake you as you trust and obey. Stand by faith on His word today. Then watch and see how God will cause you to move forward in all you do!

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ." (II Corinthians 2:14, NKJV) 

~ Jackie O.