The Power of Faith

In Daily Devotional by Paul Fraser

Theme of the Week: Living Victoriously

Bible Verse: For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5 NIV

Scripture Reading: James 2:8, Ephesians 2:8

We have talked this week about the importance of our power source for victorious living—being connected to Jesus. So, obviously, when we talk about faith, we are talking about putting our faith in Him. For today, I want to expand on that a little more.

Some time ago, I heard that you could take the word faith in the New Testament and interchange it with the word trust. That makes sense because that’s what faith is: trust! And the way you know if you have faith and trust is if you take time to exercise it. You can say you trust someone, but if you never actually put it to the test, how do you know you really have it?

That’s what I’d like to challenge you with today. You can’t just say you put your trust or faith in Jesus. You need to act upon it. It can’t be just about words; it must be deeds as well. James 2:8b says “I will show you my faith by my deeds.” But if you’re like me, that’s easier said than done.

So, before you just jump into action, it’s important to know this: When it comes to trust, there are at least three kinds – character, competency, and contractual. If we are going to trust God, we need ask ourselves some hard questions related to that trust.

Character – Do I trust that God is who He says He is?

Competency – Do I trust God can do what He says He can do?

Contractual – Do I trust He will do what He says He will do?

I have no trouble trusting God’s character and competency. But, if I’m honest, I get tested all the time on the contractual trust. I know He is good; I know He is able; but I wrestle with, ‘Will He do what He says He will do?’ It’s an area I’m growing in and probably will for a while.

Victorious living needs an active faith. We also read in the Book of James that faith without works is dead. So, let’s put our faith into action—because we can trust God with anything! There is power when we take a step of faith and trust God for what we need. Even small steps can produce big faith! He is good, He is able, and He will do it!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that I can put my trust in you and that you are so faithful. Please help me grow in my faith and let my actions reflect my trust in you.

Reflection: How do you answer those questions about trust? Is there an area of trust you need to grow in?


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About
Paul Fraser
Paul is currently serving as the National Church Multiplication Coordinator for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has been in full-time ministry for 23 years. Reaching people far from God, church multiplication and the next generation are his ministry passions. Paul believes the best days are still ahead for advancing God’s Kingdom in Canada and that we all have a part to play.
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Paul Fraser
Paul is currently serving as the National Church Multiplication Coordinator for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. He has been in full-time ministry for 23 years. Reaching people far from God, church multiplication and the next generation are his ministry passions. Paul believes the best days are still ahead for advancing God’s Kingdom in Canada and that we all have a part to play.