14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”
16 But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. 18 But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have:“The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world.”
19 But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said,“I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.”
20 And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying,“I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.”
21 But regarding Israel, God said,“All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.”
Terrie's Comments:
In other translations Verse 17 reads like this: "So then faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." If you feel like your faith is weak or you are having trouble trusting that God will do what he says he will do perhaps it is a word problem not a faith problem. The more you hear God's word, listen to it, apply it... the natural by-product of that will be faith. Trusting someone comes from spending time with them. Trusting God is no different. If you want faith (trusting God's word is true) then you need to put effort into your relationship with God and get to know Him by spending time in His word and talking with Him. Makes sense :-)
Tori's Comments:
Terrie and I were just talking about how faith is grown. Well, I am pre-writing this before my trip, so not that recently, but still.
The author explains just how epic and awesome faith is. And then he tells us just how to get it.
With such a simple answer, why don't we read our bible more? Search the Word and soak ourselves in truth?
I am convicted of this especially.
And how will they know unless they have never heard about Him? Another clear commandment that we need to spread our faith!
ReplyDeleteI am striving to be in a place where my very character and choices that come naturally will reflect and glorify Christ. Where my very character will stand out amongst those who do not believe but want to know my "not-so-secret" secret. The good news! That when I share I will not have hypocrisy hanging over my head, but can stand with my head held high with my strength and confidence coming from God himself- drawing others to him as a messenger and not forgetting that the hardest of hearts can be softened.
ReplyDeleteI will continue on the good race and keep trying :)