When Faith Feels Fragile

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 5:1–2

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we walk this path of faith, we often find ourselves yearning for a deeper understanding of God’s grace and how it manifests in our lives. The passage from Luke 2:52, which recounts Jesus’ growth in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men, serves as a powerful reminder that this divine favor is not a distant ideal, but a tangible reality we can experience. It’s a truth that resonates deeply within the heart of every believer, a promise that we too can increase in wisdom and in God’s unmerited favor.

You might have observed, as I have, that some believers seem to walk in a greater measure of this favor. It’s not that God plays favorites, but rather that these individuals have unlocked a profound understanding of the key that grants access to His grace. Romans 5:2 reveals this key: “we have access by faith into this grace [unmerited favor] in which we stand.” Just as a password unlocks access to a computer or a bank account, faith is the “password” to God’s favor. It’s not a mere intellectual assent, but a deep, unwavering conviction that we are indeed highly favored by our Heavenly Father.

This brings us to a crucial practice I’ve found transformative: declaring God’s truth over ourselves. It’s more than positive thinking; it’s aligning our words with the very nature of God’s promises. Some may ask, “How can we confidently declare that we are greatly blessed, highly favored, and deeply loved?” Let’s delve into the Scriptures to find our anchor.

Hebrews 6:13-14 beautifully illustrates God’s unwavering commitment to bless us. He swore by Himself, the highest authority, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” This wasn’t a casual promise; it was a divine oath, a testament to His steadfast intention to pour out His blessings upon us, the seed of Abraham through faith in Christ. This isn’t just a general blessing, it is a covenant blessing, a promise from the creator of the universe, to you, personally. This understanding should fill us with a confident expectation of good things.

But how can we claim to be “highly favored?” Ephesians 1:6 sheds light on this, stating that God “made us accepted in the Beloved.” The original Greek word, charitoo, translates to “highly favored.” This isn’t a passive acceptance; it’s an active, deliberate act of grace that positions us in a place of profound favor. We are not accepted based on our own merit, but solely on the merit of Jesus Christ. This truth should revolutionize our self-perception, transforming us from feeling inadequate to knowing we are deeply cherished.

And what about the depth of God’s love? John 3:16, the cornerstone of our faith, proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” This wasn’t a mere sentiment; it was a sacrificial act of unparalleled love. God demonstrated the immeasurable extent of His love by sending Jesus to the cross, bearing the weight of our sins, and bridging the gap between us and Himself. This love isn’t conditional or fleeting; it’s an eternal, unwavering love that envelops us completely. It’s a love that doesn’t just tolerate us, but delights in us.

These scriptural truths are not just theological concepts; they are the bedrock of our identity in Christ. If these truths haven’t yet taken root in your heart, I encourage you to begin speaking them aloud. Words have power, and when aligned with God’s Word, they become powerful tools for transformation.

Imagine standing before a mirror each morning, not with a critical eye, but with the eyes of faith, declaring boldly, “Because of Jesus’ perfect work on the cross, I am righteous by His blood, and I am greatly blessed, highly favored, and deeply loved! I expect good things to come my way. I expect good success, and I have a confident expectation of good!” This isn’t wishful thinking; it’s a declaration of faith, a proclamation of the reality established by Christ’s sacrifice.

It is understanding and living in the truth that we have been made righteous, not by our own works, but by the blood of Jesus, that allows us to walk in the fullness of God’s favor. To truly understand that because of Jesus, we stand righteous before the Father, is to understand that we are in a position of blessing. The Father does not see our sin when he looks at us, he sees the perfect sacrifice of his son. We must meditate on this truth daily, so that we can walk in the confidence that comes with knowing who we are in Christ.

The journey of faith is a continuous process of discovery and growth. As we delve deeper into God’s Word, we uncover hidden treasures of grace and truth that transform our lives. We learn that God’s favor is not a distant concept, but a tangible reality that we can experience daily. It’s a reality that empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that we are loved, blessed, and favored by the Almighty.

In this walk of faith, we are not alone. We have a community of believers, a body of Christ, who support and encourage us. We have the Holy Spirit, our comforter and guide, who leads us into all truth. And we have the Word of God, our anchor and foundation, which illuminates our path and reveals the depths of God’s love.

Therefore, beloved brothers and sisters, I urge you to embrace these truths with open hearts and minds. Allow the Word of God to transform your thinking and shape your reality. Let the declarations of faith become a daily practice, a rhythm of your life, a testament to your unwavering trust in God’s promises.

To further enrich your journey of faith and deepen your understanding of God’s grace, I invite you to explore Moralisee.com. There, you’ll find daily devotions that will nourish your soul, uplift your spirit, and equip you with the wisdom and understanding to walk in the fullness of God’s favor. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen.