Grace Activated by Faith

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4-7

Grace is activated by faith. Our faith activates or releases the grace of God; "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) Grace strips us of our need for anything but humility. Then it gives to the humble one a treasure chest full of the blessings of God. However, the treasure chest can only be opened with the key of faith. This is why so many of God's children feel powerless; they have no key of faith.

We would expect the lost to have no key of faith, but why don't the children of God have the key of faith?
1. Many believers have not humbled themselves under the mighty hand of God. Instead, they have been tricked into a false faith that centers on what they believe about themselves and their human potential and abilities.
2. They don't understand Biblical faith. Their faith is placed in what they believe about God rather than on the whole counsel of the Word of God.

The certainty of faith is found not in the believer but in WHO and WHAT is believed. If we believe in what we say, our faith rests in ourselves. But, if we believe what God says- in the context of the whole Bible- our faith rests in the infallible Word of God and in the character of God.

What is your faith resting on? Yourself or God and who He says He is?

Stop right now and pray. Ask God to help you place your faith only in Him. Ask Him to open your eyes to any ways in which you are trusting in the wisdom of others rather than in His Word and character.

Oh Father, I thank You that even when I am without faith; You are faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). I thank you that Your grace is always sufficient and Your strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) Guide me today in Your path and lead me in Your truth everlasting, for Your ways are perfect (Psalm 25:4 & 5; 2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 19:7-11)

excerpt from Lord, I Need Grace to Make it Today, by Kay Arthur