This Kind of Faith

Biblical faith is neither abstract nor inactive. It is a dynamic transformative force which, when released, propels God to act on earth. In my 24 years of ministry, I have witnessed the best and the worst of faith manifestations in the body of Christ. I have seen Davidic expression of the power of God, and pitiful helplessness dressed as faith on the pulpit. A few years ago, I was invited to attend a prayer meeting of a beloved Christian brother with stage 4 cancer. I thought it was a prayer meeting! I was wrong. It was a memorial service complete with eulogies. Yes, the church was conducting the brother’s funeral service while he yet lived! It was a sorry sight to behold.

When the pulpit, a pastor or congregation projects helplessness rather than hope, we are showcasing a God who is weak and powerless which is contrary to the God of the bible. Biblical faith is not a surrender to circumstances beyond the scope of man. It is an active and unwavering trust in God that generates power that can alter the cause of nature. “He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto HIM belong the issues (the escape) from death” (Psalm 68:20). Yes! By our God, Jehovah-Rapha, we can escape cancer, stroke, Aids, Lupus and any other issues and terminal labels of death that is thrown at the church.

It is understandable for unbelievers to give in when faced with terrible diagnosis; but it is completely out of place for spirit-filled believers to surrender to cancer and the likes of it without putting up a fight. We thank God for medical specialists and professionals, but no matter how gifted they are, they don't have the final say on who lives or dies, God does! I cannot put it any better than the beloved physician, Luke (Colossians 4:14), “With God nothing shall be impossible...the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 1:37, Luke 18:27).