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Mark 10:27 ^“27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26 ^“26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Luke 18:27 ^“27 And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

There is nothing impossible to us when we connect with our Father who loves us and wants the best for us at all times.

1. The way that we get all that God promised in His word is that we stay connected to the one who makes all things possible.
2. We must understand that the enemies of God don’t want us to stay connected to God. They know that if we stay connected, nothing is impossible to us.

1) Matthew 17:20 (KJV 1900) “²⁰ And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

2) 1 Peter 5:6–11 (KJV 1900) “⁶ Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ⁷ Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. ⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: ⁹ Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. ¹⁰ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. ¹¹ To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Connectivity allows us to be all that God wants us to be. If we stay connected to God through faith, God will help us in all situations. The situations may not turn out as we want, but God’s will and purpose will be done in our lives. As children of God, that is what we want to happen in our lives: His will be done, not ours.

1. Faith is a lifestyle, and it takes us out of this world and keeps us connected to God, allowing us to bring spiritual power into this natural world to defy and change situations and circumstances.

1) Hebrews 10:22–23 (KJV 1900) “”²² Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)… “

2. It’s not an easy task keeping our faith strong in God when we have so many resources at our fingertips.
3. We live in the richest country in the world, so there is nothing really to want for. Often, we lean on others more than on God. We trust in others more than we trust in God. Those who want to live a richer life can, if they have the know-how and worldly connections. We who want the best of God must hear and do what He says.

1) Matthew 13:22 (KJV 1900) ²² He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

2) Mark 4:18–19 (KJV 1900) ¹⁸ And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, ¹⁹ And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

When I first started the ministry, God had to teach me something, and He is still teaching me now that I have to trust Him more than anyone He allows into my life.

3. When we stay connected to the one to whom all things are possible, there will be nothing impossible to us. He promised that to us, and He is faithful.
4. There are many examples in the word of God, but we have parked at the one that God started it all with, Abraham.

1) Romans 4:15–25 (KJV 1900) ¹⁵ Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. ¹⁶ Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, ¹⁷ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. ¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. ¹⁹ And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: ²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; ²¹ And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. ²² And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. ²³ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; ²⁴ But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; ²⁵ Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Final Thoughts

God, in His word, has given us all we need to understand what faith will do for us. Faith is what God gave every person to contact Him. Through this connection, God gives us the ability to operate in the spiritual and natural world. The most important sense every human has is faith. With it, all things are possible because God is backing you up. Never let all the enemies of God confuse you and give you a permanent sense of doubt. Stay connected to God through faith and keep running for Him. Jesus died for our faith to reign. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God be honor forever and ever, Amen.

Some women try to live righteously because they know God, while others don’t. Sometimes it is the way they were brought up. Childhood upbringing carries a significant influence on adult life, consciously or unconsciously. There are righteous or good Mothers, and there are evil Mothers. Righteous, Good, Bad, and evil; How do we know the Good from the Bad or the righteous from the evil? (Luke 6:43–45) tells us. A Good mother will exhibit a good mindset, teaching her children to obey God, and an evil or bad mother will exhibit evil or bad choices, training her children to do wrong in the sight of God. This is why everyone must be born again. Regardless of our upbringing or influences from others, salvation is for everybody. There are no excuses for having a negative or evil influence on your family or anyone else. God is calling everyone to love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind, and to love their neighbor as themselves. Women, potential mothers, wives, and those who are already mothers and wives, give yourselves wholly to God, and let Him lead you in your influencing. Godly influences in the home will raise Godly children. Others will recognize the God that’s inside. Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5 NLT, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.”

Paul recognized the training passed down from grandmother and mother to Timothy. He understood that Godly influence creates Godly seeds. Godly seed comes from godly parents. (Malachi 2:15). A God-fearing woman makes her home stable by constantly working on it. There is not a day that goes by without a virtuous woman working to ensure her family’s stability. Her prayers are for her household, her husband, and her children. Her devotion, engagement with Scripture, wise decisions, openness to God’s work, and faithful spiritual instruction across generations are a connection to God and His influence. A virtuous woman is priceless. Proverbs 14:1 NLT, “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.”

A wise woman is precious and worth more than anything this world can offer. Nothing and no one but God is worth more than a virtuous woman. She is an asset to her family and not a liability. She looks to the future and makes plans accordingly. Proverbs 31:10–12 NLT, “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

Mothers and those who want to be mothers must understand that they must help train up their children in the way they should go, and when they get old, they will not depart from it. Your children will not forget your labor of love. Proverbs 31:28 KJV, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

Women, raising children and taking care of your husband and household is work, Hard work. Some of you have much work to do, but understand that your labor is not in vain. It may seem you are not seeing the fruit of your labor in the present, but understand that if you don’t quit, you will see it in due time. (Galatians 6:9). Women, when you take care of your family and home, you are doing what God has put in your hands. Don’t give up, God will see you through. God knows and is with you. God cares and loves you. God has the record of your faithfulness written down, and He knows and will keep what you do in His name, close to Him. (2 Timothy 1:12).

Woman of God, you are working for God, not man. Your family may not acknowledge your hard work, but God will. You may not get a thank you here and now, but God is going to give you much more. Keep working for the Lord by doing what He called you to do for your husband and children, and wait on the Lord to reward you for your effort. God knows how to reward those who diligently seek Him. (1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 8:18) The work of the Lord for a mother is to take care of her family, train her children, help her husband, and show the world the goodness of God. (Titus 2:1–5). I know the world teaches differently, but God’s Word never changes. If we want the rewards of God, we must do it the way God said. Influence is not just in what you say, but also in your behavior. (Ephesians 5:1–5). I know family attendance is a tiresome work, but it must be done in the name of Jesus. Woman, you need to learn to attend to your family the way God wants, and not like the world and what it wants. (Philippians 4:11–13).

Sometimes, women, you may think it’s too hard or more difficult than you realized, but Mothers and women keep working for your families, keep helping your husband, you are making a difference every day. Your labor is not in vain.

One thing, mothers, I don’t want you to forget, you did not always have children. It was you and your man, you and him, enjoying each other until that first child was born into the family. Never forget that time of sharing, loving, and joy with each other, because one day all the children will be gone and it will be only you two again. Both parents have taught the children to be productive citizens in the world. They have been taught what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and now they are on their own. Now you are an empty nester, as they say. A wise and virtuous woman will plan for this time. She will ensure that she and her husband don’t drift apart. Her moves with her husband will be intentional. Their love will not fade but grow. Husbands, she may not look the same as she did when you married her. Wives, he may not look the same as when you married him. Women don’t give up on your husband; men don’t give up on your wife. (Proverbs 31:30, Jeremiah 29:11). With God, the end will be better than the beginning. The latter years shall be better than the former. Women strive to be virtuous women, and God will do the rest.

A virtuous woman embodies strength—not physical weakness despite being the “weaker vessel,” but rather the kind of inner fortitude that comes from wisdom, grace, and reverence for God. She possesses self-command and the ability to influence others, making her a suitable partner and helper. Being virtuous means being holy, righteous, upright, and pure. Her thoughts are about others and not herself. The influence of a woman and a mother is what drives a family. Proverbs 31:10 KJV, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 18:22 KJV, “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, And obtaineth favour of the Lord.”

The influence of mothers directs the Family. Eve influenced Adam, and sin came into the world. Sarah influenced Abraham, and Ishmael was born. Esther influenced the king, and the Jews were saved. Lois and Eunice influenced Timothy, and he became a mighty man of God in the New Testament church. Mothers, you can guide your family in the direction and ways of God. Women, Allow God To Direct Your Path and Let Your Godly Influence Direct Your Family! Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.”

A Woman’s Influence Directs Her Family!

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (NIV).

In these Scriptures, Paul is defending his call to minister for the Lord Jesus. The church at Corinth needed to understand that they were no longer of the world and that there was a way to fight their enemies without throwing a physical punch. The world has its methods of dealing with threats, and the church has its methods.

Saints of God do not walk as the world walks, because they have been changed from the inside out. Earlier in 2 Corinthians, Paul tells them in 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” All things have become new for the spirit of the saint, but the flesh of the saint is still greedy to satisfy itself. That satisfaction must be denied, and the flesh crucified every day because saints are in the world but not of the world. Saints do not wage war as the world does. The KJV says, “though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.” In other words, even though we live in the flesh, we don’t lean on the flesh in fighting our battles.

Putting on the whole armor of God every day is what we have to do to be ready for the enemy’s attack, to defend ourselves, and to fight a good fight. The world fights with trickery and sinful tactics that will overwhelm saints if they don’t use what God gave them to stand with. Once the saint understands that they have the power of the Holy Ghost to fight for them, they will not worry about what the children of darkness have planned. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, we have divine power to demolish strongholds.” Ultimately, we are not fighting flesh and blood, our sisters and brothers, those whom we can see, but we are fighting those who are in the spiritual world. Ephesians 6:12 explains, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” We do not fight against our neighbors, our coworkers, those who attack us for no cause, those whom we can see with our natural eyes, but we fight the spirits that are behind the scenes, orchestrating all the mischief that is going on.

We do all this to help people know that Jesus Christ died for the world to reconcile humanity back to God. It is the duty of the saint to let the world know that Jesus lives and is on the right hand of God in heaven, waiting for the last person God calls to salvation to say, yes, Lord, I want you to save me from my sin. This is why saints do not wage war as the world does. The saint wages war with prayer, obedience to God, reading the Word of God, showing love to the world and to each other, long-suffering, kindness, concern for the lost and the marginalized, and doing all the other commands God has given his children.

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (KJV 1900)

³ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: ⁴ (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) (KJV).

Saints should always be watchful and ready to use their most important weapon, which is faith in the God of the universe. 1 John 5:4-5 helps with this explanation, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” Out of all the pieces of spiritual armor, faith is said to be above all. Ephesians 6:16 says, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Faith gives the saint the ability to tap into God’s spiritual power and bring it into this natural world, commanding any situation to conform to God’s will. Believers fight differently from the world.

Hebrews 12:1-3

The Believer is not alone in the Christian race to eternity. The Christian race is run among other believers, with Jesus’ encouragement and power, not alone. Sometimes, while running this Christian race, we feel alone and have no one to help us keep running toward the finish line. Especially after we get saved. When we first get saved, we are filled with emotions and want everyone to know what God has done for us. We want to get to know the new church family God has given us, and we want to learn more about this God who changed us. Still, life keeps happening, our emotions calm down, the excitement of the ‘new life’ wears off, living holy as God wants His children to live becomes a reality, and we feel our walk with God gets too difficult.

When that happens, we start saying things like, I have given my life to Christ, but I can’t feel Him working in me. I attend church, but I don’t feel God as strongly as I once did, and when I leave church, I don’t have the same sense of peace as I go about my daily life. However, we must understand that the saving power of Jesus includes the sustaining power of Jesus. Jesus saves and sustains. We Are Not Alone. Life happens, life goes on as we know it, and sometimes disturbs our movement in the Christian race, but I want to encourage someone never to give up and never stop running this Christian race. We Are Not Alone. I understand that being alone is scary. Yes, it is frightening and can debilitate the Christian runner. The devil wants you to feel alone so he can talk you out of the race that is set before you. He wants you to give up and quit, but we must understand that we Are Not Alone!

In the 11th chapter of Hebrews, we find the Hall of Fame of those who lived their faith and obtained a good report with God. Men and women believe in God to the very end. However, the Bible says they did not receive the promise of the coming of the Messiah, Christ Jesus. They kept the faith to the very end but are still waiting for us to complete our race while waiting for Jesus’ return (Heb 11:39-40). They were waiting and searching for a city not built by man’s hand. God called them out of this world into His marvelous light, and they knew that God had something better for them. Their faith guided them along the way (Heb 11:13-16).

This earth is not our home nor our permanent residence. We should be seeking those things that are above and not things on this earth. God has a better place for His children, and Jesus is getting it ready for our homecoming (John 14:1-3). Those who went before us held on through their faith. They kept their faith even when the world was against them. Through the good times and the bad, they never gave up. They believed God’s word without reservation. They said, ‘Yes to the God of the Universe’ when the devil was telling them to curse God and die. They kept believing despite their circumstances. They lived the Scriptures. Heb 10:35-36 says, ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.’ The great cloud of witnesses kept their confidence and had great patience as they ran the Christ race.

The questions come thin, “How can one hold on while running this race with my faith?” How can one be like this cloud of witnesses who held on to the end? They must have had Super Faith to accomplish what they did. I only have regular faith, and I don’t know if it is enough to finish the race. How can I live as they did? How can I hold on as they did? No one knows what I’m going through and how hard it is to hold on. All these temptations I’m facing, and when I want to live right, sin is always there trying to draw me back in. I’m trying to hold on, I’m fighting the best I can, but my flesh is weak. How can I stand for God in a world that doesn’t want God in any way, shape, form, or fashion? How, how, I feel so alone when I am not amongst the believers. I feel defeated. Have you felt like this in your walk with God?

Faith For the Race.

First, we must understand what faith is. The cloud of witnesses used their faith to finish the race and address the questions above. Hebrews 11:1 reads, ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’

The word “substance” (hupostasis) means the foundation, assurance, title-deed, and guarantee of things hoped for. The word “evidence” (elegchos) means conviction. According to most commentators, this is what is meant by these two words. Therefore, faith would be defined as: the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.[1]

Look closely at what is being said and note that faith is being described as an act, an act of the mind and heart. That is, our heart and mind believe something, and we have assurance and conviction that it is true. This is undoubtedly true; faith is an act of the mind and heart. But many of the earlier interpreters understood “substance” (hupostasis) to mean real being, the substantial nature of a thing.[2]

Scripture seems to be saying that faith is more than an act. Scripture seems to be saying that faith is the actual possession of reality. Is this not what the definition of “title-deed” is saying? The person who holds the title deed to a property actually possesses the property. It is his already. Indeed, from God’s perspective, we already possess His promises; He has already seated us in the heavenlies, and we already possess eternal life. It is not that we are going to possess it; we already possess it. The point is this: holding the title deed to a property and possessing it is more than mere assurance and conviction. It is possessing reality: actually having something substantial and real.^[3]

So what is faith? Faith is trusting and possessing all that God is and says. Faith is believing and possessing all that God is and says. Faith is having confidence in and possessing all that God is and says. Faith is hoping for something and possessing it because God exists and has promised it. True Biblical faith deals only with truth and reality. It is knowing what is real, experiencing it, and possessing it.[4]

When it comes to having true Biblical faith in God through Christ Jesus, we possess, own, and receive all the promises of God, even though they have not yet manifested. There are certain things that God has promised to believers, such as eternal life, that if we endure to the end, which is our hope, they shall belong to us. Biblical faith says we actually possess eternal life through faith right now at this very moment, because faith is the actual possession of things hoped for, the conviction and confidence in the reality of things we haven’t seen.

The cloud of witnesses didn’t receive the promises, but their faith told them they were real and that they possessed them for a surety. Whatever you are believing God for, according to His will, you have it right now; it only has to manifest itself. This is Biblical faith being used correctly.

The Biblical witnesses are cheering us on as we run this race. Their victory run encourages us to keep running and not to give up, but there are some things we must do to finish the race. Hebrews 12:1 reads, ‘Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,’

We must lay aside the weight and sin that so easily traps us. Lay aside in this Scripture means to take off, strip off, and to remove, as in taking off clothes. The believer must train like an athlete to shed extra weight that can weigh them down and keep them from finishing the race. Anything that does not edify us to live godly will weigh us down. Whatever it is, we must strip it off and put on the things of God. We must be active in doing God’s work to finish the race. The Scripture tells us to be active in 1 Cor 15:58, which reads, ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.’

We must understand that that is why we attend church and fellowship with other believers. The cloud of witnesses is not just in the Bible. We have some witnesses living among us who want to see every believer cross the finish line. Jesus established the church, which the gates of hell cannot stand against, and we encourage each other to stay in the race and run to the finish. Eph 4:11-12 explains it like this, ‘And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:.’ It’s every believer’s calling to encourage their brothers and sisters to stay in the race and run to the finish. I know we get tired, and sometimes we want to give up, but I pray we hear and do the Word of God. (Heb 10:23-25).

Jesus is Our Model

The return of Christ will happen, and we must encourage one another to keep running this Christian race until He comes. Weights are going to try to stop you; sin is ever-present, giving you trouble; the cares of the world will weigh you down; and the devil will try to pull you away from God. We are fighting all of this as we are running this Christian race. We might feel overwhelmed as we are running, and the enemy is encouraging us to give up. The cloud of witnesses is not encouraging us to keep running as they should; our flesh is weak and getting weaker as we run, but the Hebrews writer encourages us to look to one who overcame everything we would ever go through in this Christian race. His name is Jesus, the Son of God. Heb 12:2-3 tells us ‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.’

The cloud of witnesses can encourage us, but only Jesus can sustain us. If you feel like throwing in the towel, if you want to give up the race, if you’re going to stop fighting, remember and meditate on what Jesus did for us all. Our faith helps us know what He went through and what He did for us. Jesus is the author of our faith. He created our faith and gave it to us. Our faith helps us know the joy that overshadowed Him as He completed His mission to save the world. That joy gave Him the courage to endure the pain and everything that went with dying on the cross. Jesus showed us that the race can be won. He never stops running His race, and we must never stop running ours. When we feel we can’t go another step, we must look unto Jesus and get a fresh wind, we must look unto Jesus and get a new attitude, we must look unto Jesus and get a new focus. Only He can sustain us, only He can give us the strength to keep running, only He can provide us with the power to finish the race. The Word of God explains in John 16:33 ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ Rom 8:37 ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.’ 1 John 4:4 ‘ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ 1 John 5:4 ‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’ And Rev 12:11 ‘And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.’

Jesus is with the believer all the days of their life, so they don’t have to give up the Christian race. Keeping our minds on Christ helps us stay in the race, no matter what comes our way. I may not run as fast as you. I might not fight as well as you. I may come in last and have bruises all over my body, but I will not quit. I will finish the race, because I know “I Am Not Alone.” Ecc 9:11 reads, ‘I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Matt 10:22 tells us, ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’

I don’t have to give up, because I lost my job, I don’t have to give up, because my home got hit by a hurricane,  I don’t have to give up, because my children aren’t acting right; I don’t have to give up, because my spouse is acting funny. This one thing I know is that I’m never alone. Jesus said in Heb 13:5 ‘Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ The Christian Race Can be Difficult, but I know, and now you know that we are Not Alone!

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Here, Jesus expresses a revelation that every believer must understand. Watch and pray is an essential preventive maintenance for every Christian’s livelihood. There are so many events happening in this world that a watchful eye must be part of the believer’s toolbox. We must never get complacent about our salvation and think that we will live on this earth in its current condition forever. God is going to purge the world of all unrighteousness. The Scripture says in Revelation 21:5, “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” God will renew everything in this world to be as He created it at the beginning, when He said it was very good (Genesis 1:31). No one knows when that will happen, but we should always be looking for Jesus to return for His church. Believers will be changed into what Jesus’ body is when he rose from the dead. 1 John 3:2 reads, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” Watching what is happening in the world and the return of Jesus cannot be stressed enough. Some believers are complacent with where they are and want to stay because of the physical ties they have. However, the real essence of humanity is spiritual. If one wants to grasp this concept, Jesus said Watch and pray.

Prayer is a spiritual connection to a spiritual God. John 4:24 reads, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Prayer is communication and worship to a spiritual God who is a spirit and hears in the spiritual realm. Christians can’t just watch; they also need to pray to stay connected to God while in this world. Often, we are confronted with physical things in this world that disturb the spiritual aspect of our essence. When we leave ourselves vulnerable, emotionally, we upset the spiritual connection we have with God. When that connection is not like it’s supposed to be, we can let the flesh take over, and things begin to sour. We can say things that are not godly to the people we love. We can say things to people that we may regret. Our tone can be upsetting to those around us. We can allow ourselves to do things physically out of our flesh that disconnect us from our Father spiritually. James 1:19-20 tells us, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” This is why we must continue to pray. Jesus explained it like this in Luke 18:1, “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Praying for oneself is prominent in this Christian walk. Praying for yourself helps with a humble spirit and understanding that you should treat others as you want to be treated. The spirit of individuals intends to do this, but the flesh of individuals does not let them.

Spirit Vs Flesh

Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” There is a distinction between the spirit and the flesh. Jesus tells us in John 3:5-6, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” When we are born of the Spirit, we become new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17). What happens is that there is always a fight between the spirit and the flesh. Galatians 5:17 reads, “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (ESV). The flesh pulls on the desires of the world to satisfy its cravings—the spirit of an individual desires to please God. This conflict is constant and requires the individual to pray for themselves continually. The spirit will overcome if the individual watches and prays because it takes effort to enable the spirit to win the battle. If these are not done, the flesh will win every time, and the individual will fall to temptation whenever it presents itself.

Final Thoughts

1 John 2:16 reminds us, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” These things the flesh lusts after all the time, whether we know it or not. Sin connects the flesh to the things of the world, and salvation connects the spirit to the things of God. There is always a longing of the spirit to be connected to God, even when an individual is living in sin. The flesh’s voice is louder than the spirits when everything that is done is for the flesh. The spirit wants to thrive, but it can’t among all the noise a sinful life produces. However, that longing can outshine the darkness by watching and praying for yourself and others. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Do not let the flesh overcome the calling of the Spirit to your spirit. The Spirit of God convicts one of sin, and when that conviction comes, harden not your heart, but say yes to that calling of God.

Our Faithful God Demands a choice of Faithfulness from His People

Deuteronomy 7:9–11 (KJV 1900)

⁹ Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; ¹⁰ And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. ¹¹ Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

God’s faithfulness is unwavering, a constant in the lives of His children. No one can claim that God has not kept His word. As Numbers 23:19 (KJV) states, ‘God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?’ Every word He speaks, He fulfills. His faithfulness is a rock we can always depend on.

God is faithful, and He demands His children to be faithful to Him. The English noun “faithfulness” denotes trustworthiness or dependability. When Christians disappoint God by doing things that harm Him, knowingly or unknowingly, they are not faithful to Him. God’s reassuring statement is ‘If one keeps my commandment or shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all His commandments, then I God will bless you’. Blessings only come from faithfulness to God. God never asks anything of us that He has not provided for us. His faithfulness to us should be enough for us to give Him the faithfulness He deserves.

Sometimes we put faithfulness in degrees. We think, ‘I will be faithful to God in the big things, such as being loyal to my spouse and not stealing from anyone. You know, the ten commandments and the things others can see.’ However, God wants faithfulness in all that we do. This means that every action, every decision, every thought should be guided by our commitment to God. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV) reads, ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’ Whatever we do, it must be to the glory of God. God demands it.

Faithfulness is a demand from God and a choice from us.

It is a choice we make every day, in every action, in every thought. This choice empowers us, giving us control over our spiritual journey. It is a choice we must make, and make wisely.

Abraham was commanded to sacrifice the son whom God gave him in his old age (Gen. 22:1-2). Scripture shows that when God called Abraham to sacrifice his son, Abraham did not ask any questions, did not procrastinate, or get any advice from anyone else. He obeyed God immediately (Gen. 22:3-10). This immediate obedience was not just a result of Abraham’s love for God, but also of his developed faith. Over the years, Abraham had cultivated a deep and mature faith through his obedience and walk with God. This faith allowed him to be faithful to God even in the most difficult of circumstances. And it was this faith that opened to him the power of the Spirit to change his surroundings and situation to align with the will of God. When Abraham was about to finish the sacrifice obligation to God, the angel of the LORD stopped him and said, ‘Lay not thine hand upon the lad.’ (Gen. 22:11-12). Faith connects one to God’s Spirit in the spiritual world, which can change or defy the natural laws. Abraham’s faithfulness, rooted in his developed faith, ensured that his son’s life would be spared. If Abraham hadn’t developed his faith through obeying and walking with God during his lifetime, he might have disobeyed God in this situation. However, he made the right choice and God blessed him because of it.

Final Thoughts.

God will always be with the faithful believer. The Scripture speaks frequently of the faithfulness of God and how He is there ready to help and bless those who are faithful to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 explains this concept by saying, ‘For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him…’ Psalm 34:15 says, ‘The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And his ears are open unto their cry.’ Psalm 101:6 reads, ‘Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.’ A choice of faithfulness is so important to God that if it is consistent, the final words that will be heard are ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’ (Matt. 25:21) Well done, well done is what all faithful servants of God want to hear at the end of their lives. Well done. A Faithful God wants a Faithful people.

¹⁷ When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Sin is a sickness that needs to be healed.

When sin entered the world through the disobedience of our first parents, it created a sickness that cannot be healed by any medicine that humanity can come up with. Since the beginning of time, humanity has been trying to solve its problem of sin, but has fallen short every time. Sin is not a physical problem, but a spiritual problem that impacts the whole essence of humanity.

Humans are a three-part being: body, spirit, and soul. God created us this way. Genesis 2:7 reads, “⁷And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” In other words, God created man’s body, breathed a part of His Spirit into man’s body, and man came alive. Paul says it like this in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “²³And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This three-part being understanding helps one to know that sin is not just a physical problem. It helps one to understand that there is more than what one can see with the naked eye. Therefore, sin needs to be healed, and the only way that can happen is that the sinner receives the gift of salvation from God.

One may wonder why humans can do the terrible and horrific things they do to other human beings. Where is their conscience? Do they have any morality? Humanity is born sick in sin and needs a savior to heal the sickness. Everyone needs to be saved from sin. 2 Thessalonians 2 explains why some human beings can do these things. It says in the 6th-7th verse, “And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. (NIV)” If one is not raised with some teaching of right from wrong, the enemy can lead them astray. Anyone can fall into this category. However, God loves us so much that He allows us to come in contact with someone who will give us what we need to have a relationship with Him. Only God can heal the sickness of sin.

Only God can heal the Sickness of Sin.

God gave a remedy for the sickness of sin, and that is the belief in Jesus Christ, His Son. John 3:17 (KJV) “¹⁷For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” Sin affects all of humanity, but God gave a healing balm that can reach everyone who believes. Psalm 107:20 (KJV) “²⁰He sent his word, and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.” John 1:1 (KJV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 (KJV) “¹⁴And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:11–12 (KJV) “¹¹He came unto his own, and his own received him not. ¹² But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” Romans 10:13 (KJV) “¹³For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” God wants all to be healed of the sickness of sin and has provided the way so that we will have no excuse.

Final Thoughts.

The Bible elaborates on Sin being a sickness that needs to be healed. God did not leave the restoration of humanity to humanity. God did not leave the healing of sin to the world. Because the sickness of sin could not be healed by human means, God Himself decided to devise a plan to complete the healing process. Through Jesus Christ, God saves those who subscribe to the plan of salvation. If one confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart, they will be saved. Salvation heals the sickness of sin and puts one in the right standing with God.

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV 1900)

⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Life is about living to please God.

God created humanity to be an extension of Himself to rule in His place on the earth. The Bible explains God’s thoughts after He created man and woman. Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV) “²⁶Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ ²⁷So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” God’s thoughts are evidence that humanity is to take full possession of God’s creation to govern it with the mind of God within humanity’s thoughts. Man is supposed to have the mind of God in all dealings with the resources of God.

Sin corrupted that connection God gave to humanity, but it did not destroy it. Sin corrupted all of creation, but God created a plan to restore creation to right standing with Him. Through the plan of salvation, God connects with humanity through faith. God gives life, and life is about living in a way that pleases God through faith. Romans 1:17 (KJV 1900) “¹⁷For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Pleasing God can only be done by living in faith. The saying that “only what you do for Christ will last” is something to hold on to. Pleasing God is to live the Word of God in your everyday life. Doing what the word says in situations and circumstances will please God. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God.” This action will please God through faith. To live by the Word of God, one must know the Word of God. To know the Word of God, one must read and study it, hear it, and connect with people who are living it. God will be pleased with anyone who lives this way.

When God is pleased with the life you are living, He helps you in life every day.

The way one lives reveals whether one believes in God’s existence. Those who live corruptly are suggesting that there is no moral resistance in their lives. Moral resistance comes from a higher authority than oneself. Ultimately, right and wrong come from God. When one lives one’s life considering the moral rightness that God has set, God is pleased and will lead and guide one in the right direction. Proverbs 3:5-8 (KJV 1900) “⁵Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. ⁷     Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. ⁸It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.” Faith in God helps one to invoke God’s presence in everyday situations and circumstances. God will be with those who have a mind to please Him in their everyday walk. There will not be a day that God is not present if you have a mind and heart to please Him in all that you do. Will you do everything right? No, but He promised never to leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Faith in God is the only guaranteed solution humanity has for real help in everyday life.

There is objective evidence that God can and will help you in your everyday life. One must have faith that God still works miracles. When one believes in everyday miracles, one will find the power of God being manifested everywhere. When you go to work and ask God to ensure you do your job correctly, a miracle of God will take place. Small things, like helping someone else, and God placing you amid someone who needs your help to make it through that day, are a miracle of God. Faith to know that God will watch over you and your family is a miracle of God. It is up to you to know that faith can help you in everyday life. Every day of life is a gift from God, and every person can enjoy the privilege of knowing that their faith in God is contributing to this coming to pass.

Final Thoughts

Do not take life for granted. Have faith in God every day and keep a stable relationship with Him. God is the beginning, and He will be the One who will judge all for what they have done, good or evil. He will be here when the last soul is called to present themselves before Him, so have faith in life that you may have everlasting peace with Him after life is over.

Many times, faith is defined as a conviction that transcends our sight, hearing, or touch and a belief in something beyond the observable. In his book Developing Your Sense of Faith: A Faith That Defies All Physical Senses, Dr. David T. Collum examines how one could grow to have a faith so powerful that it is unquestionable. His observations provide insightful teachings for individuals trying to deepen their religion and lead lives of greater spiritual connectedness.

What Is Unshakable Faith?

Unquestionably, faith is a great confidence in God or a higher power that does not waver even in the face of hardship. It is faith that is consistent and independent of other events—personal losses, financial difficulties, or social demands. This kind of faith is based on a strong spiritual conviction rather than any empirical evidence.

Dr. Collum underlines that our five senses cannot define our religion; it cannot rely on what we can see. Rather, it’s about learning to have an inner confidence that transcends rational thinking. He exhorts readers to develop a strong and long-lasting faith instead of depending only on surface conviction.

Lessons from Dr. Collum on Strengthening Faith

1. Faith Requires Commitment and Discipline

Dr. Collum teaches, among other important things, that religion is an active journey rather than a passive feeling. Faith has to be developed every day, just as physical activity tones the body. To help readers build their faith, he exhorts them to practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, meditation, and reading holy books.

Regular practice of these behaviors helps believers strengthen their connection to their religion, therefore reducing the likelihood of outside influence shaking it. Like a seed needing water and sunshine to thrive, faith develops when it is purposefully nourished.

2. Faith Lives in Ambiguity.

Another insightful lesson from Dr. Collum is that religion is about believing even if the solutions are not obvious—not about knowing everything. When confronted with uncertainty, many individuals battle with faith, yet Dr. Collum reminds us that actual faith is grown in times of ambiguity.

Faith, he says, is like traveling over hazy ground. Even though we cannot always see the whole road ahead, we can take one step at a time, knowing that the road will show itself. This viewpoint exhorts Christians to welcome doubt as a normal aspect of spiritual development instead of a cause for rejection of faith.

3. Trials Strengthen One’s Faith.

According to Dr. Collum, difficulties and trials are supposed to hone rather than cause doubt of faith. Faith becomes stronger when challenged, just as gold is refined by fire.

Many people go through trying events and then have spiritual breakthroughs. Dr. Collum exhorts Christians to regard challenges as chances for closer confidence in God, not as punishment. When everything else seems erratic, religion offers a strong base.

4. Enircle Yourself with a Community Rich in Faith

One does not want to develop faith in a vacuum. Dr. Collum emphasizes the need to surround one with a loving spiritual community. Being with others who value religion gives one encouragement, responsibility, and knowledge.

Strengthening one’s spiritual resolve through faith-based dialogues, attending religious events, and sharing personal experiences with trusted mentors. Particularly in uncertain or crisis times, community helps to strengthen conviction.

5. Faith Is an Ever-Changing Path.

Dr. Collum finally reminds us that religion is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. Though there will be times of great conviction and times of doubt, the secret is to stay forward.

Faith changes with time and strengthens with life events and introspection. The path to unwavering faith is one of commitment despite obstacles, not of perfection.

Conclusion

Dr. David T. Collum’s lessons provide a road map for anyone trying to grow a faith that resists sensual appeal. His observations remind us that unwavering faith is about trusting in something higher rather than about seeing or having all the answers.

Daily spiritual activities, acceptance of uncertainty, overcoming challenges, interacting with a faith-filled community, and realizing that faith is a lifetime journey help Christians develop a faith that will not waver no matter what life presents.

For millennia, people have marveled both in amazement and controversy. While some see them as divine interventions, others perceive them as coincidences or unexplainable events. In Developing Your Sense of Faith: A Faith That Defies All Physical Senses, Dr. David T. Collum asks us to see the daily miracles occurring outside of the physical realm. According to him, religion is about perceiving the invisible—that is, about admitting the hand of God in our everyday life—not just about believing in huge supernatural happenings.

Miracles: What are they?

Miracles have long been characterized as remarkable happenings defying natural laws—that is, healings, supernatural interventions, or inexplicable phenomena. From Moses separating the Red Sea to Jesus turning water into wine, religious books abound with tales of miraculous deeds. Still, Dr. Collum exhorts us to see miracles in a wider sense.

Miracles abound in the tiniest aspects of life; they are not just major happenings. These, too, are miracles: the birth of a child, the goodwill of a stranger, an unexpected gift, or even the will to bear adversity. We start to see and value these daily beauties when we are deeply committed to religion.

Faith: The secret to miracles.

Dr. Collum says one must have faith to experience and comprehend miracles. Without faith, we may write off incredible experiences as just coincidence. But with faith, we come to sense a spiritual presence in our lives above the tangible.

1. Believing in Divine Time

Wanting quick responses to their prayers is among the toughest challenges individuals experience. Faith holds that miracles occur in God’s time, not ours. Sometimes, what looks to be an unresolved prayer is really a miracle in development.

For instance, someone could pray for a job and be turned down many times before subsequently finding an opportunity far greater than they had hoped. Through faith, we come to believe that delays are not rejections but rather results of a divine design.

2. Appreciating daily miracles.

Though many people think miracles have to be spectacular, Dr. Collum reminds us they may show themselves in subdued forms. These are all miracles—a buddy phoning at the precise moment, a financial breakthrough exactly in time, healing physicians cannot explain. Faith helps us see these gifts rather than ignore them.

3. Faith Guides Us Over Difficulties.

Sometimes, the miracle is about changing ourselves, not about our situation. Many have struggled greatly—illness, financial difficulties, personal loss—yet discovered the will to go on. It is itself a miracle to be able to stay positive, find calm among hardships, and carry on despite challenges.

Dr. Collum contends that although religion provides us with the courage to confront challenges, it does not remove them. Looking back on our lives, we sometimes find that what seemed like a terrible delay or circumstance was really a miracle, getting us ready for something more.

How may Your Faith be strengthened to produce Miracles?

• Maintaining a notebook of everyday blessings enables us to appreciate the marvels we sometimes overlook.
• Pray with Expectation: Rather than questioning, pray knowing God is already guiding events.
• Maintaining a religious community around you helps one to believe in miracles.
• Look for the good in trying circumstances; frequently, obstacles bring unanticipated rewards.
• Reading about previous miracles helps one to trust in modern ones.

Final Thought

Miracles are all around us; we need faith to notice them. Dr. David T. Collum’s lessons remind us that God’s hidden hand is working on daily life. Faith lets us see and value miracles, whether via supernatural intervention, unanticipated benefits, or just the fortitude to bear them.

Opening our hearts to the invisible helps us to grow in confidence in God’s plan and start to live with the happy anticipation that miracles occur daily.

The two aspects of faith are saving faith and power faith. Every Christian believer has the potential to possess this complete faith that enables them to operate effectively in the physical world God has placed humanity in. Saving faith is a gift from God to every person, but power faith must be a faith that has been developed. To understand this concept, one must look to the Word of God.

Faith Developed: living the Word of God.

Matthew 17:20 (KJV 1900)

²⁰ And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Power faith makes the impossible possible. Power faith comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ, which increases saving faith into a developed faith. Faith may start small, but it must grow to a faith that can move mountains in your life. A mountain of failure can be moved by power faith. A mountain of laziness can be moved by power faith. Power faith comes by using the faith you have in everyday life. Hebrews 10:38-39 reads, Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. ³⁹ But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. When one has experienced the power of God flowing through them, it is an unforgettable moment. It is a moment that one wants to experience time and time again. It sparks a desire to have God use you again to show the world that God exists. Some may get frightened with this power, but others will enjoy seeing God use them to bring the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven.

James 1:22 (KJV 1900)

²² But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Power faith has a prerequisite of doing what God says to do in His word. Hearing the word of God is a prerequisite for salvation. The Bible says, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:13-14). The Greek word translated “preacher (kerysso)” has a sense of to announce (herald), which can be done by anyone who is saved from their sins. It implies making known (important news). God enlists all who have been saved to be an announcer of His goodness to those they come in contact with. That is what the Bible calls a witness. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8). Some stop at hearing the Word of God. They go through life thinking that hearing the word is enough. Hearing only is a deceptive practice. The Word of God comforts in times of crisis, encourages when one is in trouble, and soothes the soul when negativity bombards a person who is saved; however, implementing the Word of God within your life creates safety in an unsafe world. This is for the one who is a doer of the Word of God. Hearers only deceive themselves into thinking they have power faith to change their situations and circumstances to bring them into the will of God. Jesus says safety is secured to those who keep and do His words. (Matt. 7:24-25).

Final Thought

Power faith can be achieved by all who subscribe to the plan of salvation. It is not an impossible task, but one that will help God’s kingdom come to earth as it is in heaven. Every day life brings challenges to developing faith to its full potential. However, it can be done with a mindset that Jesus is going to return for all those who are doing what He told them to do in the Word of God. Stumbling will occur, but get up and keep moving forward.