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The Substance of Faith

Scripture tells us that "... faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

Here are ten keys that will help you find the substance and reality God has promised.

1. Acknowledge the source of faith.

There is only one fountain from which faith and belief flows. The source is God Himself. Jesus said, "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak." (John 12:49)

We know that "... faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17) What is the source of the Word? The Father. Again, Jesus said, "The words I speak to you I speak not of myself, but the Father that lives in me, he does the works." (John 14:10)

2. See through the eyes of faith.

When the substance of the Word invades your soul, you’ll see the reality of it through faith. Jesus gave us some marvelous insights regarding how this happens. He declared, "I speak that which I have seen my Father do and you do that which you have seen your father do." (John 8:38)

When God illuminates your mind, you will see your destination before you arrive. Your steps, however, were planned by God much earlier.

The process begins when the Father releases it. The process continues when Jesus speaks it. And the process concludes when the Holy Ghost produces it.

That all transpires before you make one move, speak one word, or see the answer through the eyes of faith.

3. Demonstrate the act of faith.

Just because God has released something for you, does not mean it is automatically yours. All heaven waits until you act. Scripture declares that "... faith, if it has no works, is dead ..." (James 2:17)

God has done His part – and now it’s up to you. It’s time for deeds, not words.

How will you know when to act? You’ll feel it in your spirit and know it’s of the Lord. There is no struggle when faith is alive.

4. Apply the Word of faith.

Paul the Apostle declared, "The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach..." (Romans 10:8)

Do you know when the substance of faith arrives? It happens as the Holy Spirit bring the Word to life. Jesus declared what the Father spoke and what He saw, yet nothing happened until the Holy Ghost brought it to life. He said, "It is the spirit that brings life..." (John 6:63)

5. Receive your measure of faith.

God doesn’t present everything you need at once. He gives it portion upon portion. As Paul wrote, "... God has given to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:3)

When a need arises, God supplies the faith to meet it. Let’s suppose you are sick. God grants the measure of faith for healing. If your need is monetary, He supplies the right amount of faith for finances .  Allow the Lord to impart exactly what you need.

6. Recognize the season of faith.

Did you know that God has a precise time – a specific season – for your blessing?

Words spoken out of season will trap you, but when you are following the Lord’s schedule, there will be deliverance for your soul. Scripture says, "... a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" (Proverbs 15:23)

Remember, it’s God’s timetable, not ours.

7. Speak the language of faith.

Have you ever experienced the Word being so alive that it springs from your very soul? Without thinking or planning, you open your mouth and words from heaven begin to flow.

That’s how you keep yourself from Satan’s snare. The writer of Psalms declared, "... by the words of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the destroyer." (Psalms 17:4) That’s powerful! Today, start speaking the language of faith.

8. Walk in the path of faith.

Again and again, God told His people, "I have prepared the way for you." He was saying, "It’s all there – right before you. Just claim it! I have given you the city, now go possess it."

What was the Lord’s message? The journey to the promised land is a walk of faith.

I am glad we serve a God who makes a way where there seems to be no way? As the writer of Psalms wrote, "... He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." (Psalm 23:3)

9. Experience the presence of faith.

Never act on a promise of God until you feel His presence upon it.  How will you know when that moment arrives? First, it will return to your memory. Second, faith will be born. Third, it will come alive.

You will have a new burden to pray again – and this time your prayer will be focused. There will be reality that is undeniable. Most important, you’ll know this is God’s time because of His glorious presence.

10. Enjoy the abundance of faith.

Your Heavenly Father wants you to go from substance to substance, from action to action, and from "faith to faith." (Romans 1:17)

When you reach one level, He will grant you more. Jesus declared, "... take heed what you hear: with what measure you give, it shall be given to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given." (Mark 4:24)

Today, God wants to give substance to your faith. May the Lord make His Word come alive in your heart.

Copyright © 2000 Kenneth Copeland Ministries

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