Five Gears Of Faith

Biographer: Ebenezer Zor

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience’’. Romans 8:25

All over the world, poor or rich, we normally draft a scale of preference list to make life comfortable and meaningful. At times we end up not getting all the items on list. When we do not get, we optioned for a more relative substitute by forgoing certain items on the list. Since we are familiar with substituting product, on occasions we purchase badly because we did not gather patience to comb around for the original items.

In accordance with Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. Put another way, faith means believing the word of God for something to happen no matter how long it takes. But for faith to work, its components must be applied.

Narrowing this to Christianity, we cannot live by faith without these components- continuous fellowship with God, prayer, love and hope, worship and patience. Hope is certainty in the present and firm expectation for the future. This requires patience, prayer, thanksgiving and devotion.

For the purpose of this piece, the book of 1Samuel chapter one downwards will be explored thoroughly. In that there was a certain concubine named Hannah. Her rival, Peninnah had children but she did not. Both were married to Elkanah. As a result Hannah was mocked and humiliated by her rival. Despite such terrible treatment coupled with emotional distress, she lived by faith asking God for the fruit of the womb. God heard her request and answered her at the appointed time. What were the constituents of Hannah’s faith?

1. Hannah devoted herself in fellowship with God. In that, she continued asking for a child even though God shut her womb. Hannah did not allow that challenge to separate her from God. Though her rival Peninnah provoked her, Hannah often went up to the Lord’s house for prayers. “And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat” 1Samuel 1:6-8

2. She prayed for God to take away her afflictions. Hannah prayed consistently and fervently hoping for the Lord to grant her family a child as she vowed in addition. Already God had a promised them a child. “She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” 1 Samuel 1:10-11

3. Hannah loved God despite her barrenness. That made her hopeful. She did not allowed comments from her husband to distort her hope and love for praying to God. 1 Samuel 1:15 tell us “But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD.’’.

4. She was thankful through worship; “They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD;’’ 1 Samuel 1:19a. Hannah in her situation had courage, trust, strength to endure the suffering as she worship God from her heart.

5. Hannah had the spirit of patience. Through hope, patience and love for God, the Lord granted her request. “After some time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, because she said, “I requested him from the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:20

Let faith win battles for you.

Quote: “Faith in God offered through His Son without these components is meaningless” Ebenezer Zor

Want To Be Born Again?
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” John 3:6
Having read this message, want to be born again? Say this prayer with faith; Heavenly father, from today I surrender myself to you. Forgive and cleanse me from all my sins. I invite you to take absolute control of my life. Beloved if you have prayed this prayer, you are born again and welcome to God’s family.

Developing Yourself Christian Life
1. Find a believing church to attend
2. Study the word of God daily
3. Enjoy the fellowship and workmanship of God
4. Practise the word of God
5. Have faith in the word

PRAYER

Wow! In the name of Jesus Christ may these components of faith be applicable in every area of life, Amen.

Author’s mob /whatsapp/tango: +233246646694
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Church: Miracle Rock Church Int.
General Overseer: Bishop Dr. Charles Abban