Principles of Faith (Part 1)
Applying the Principles of Faith to Receive from God by Faith
Embarking on a spiritual journey demands faith as its cornerstone. I recently revisited the profound teachings of Kenneth Hagin, whose book transformed my understanding with the powerful revelation: "You can have what you say." This sparked an exploration into the principles of faith, intertwined with meditations from the Bible.
In this series, I will share insights the Holy Spirit has graciously revealed to me, building on Hagin's teaching and personal experiences. These principles are not just theoretical; they are lived truths supported by the unchanging nature of God's word, as affirmed in Hebrews 13:8.
Diving into Mark 11:23-24
Foundational to our understanding are the timeless truths in Mark 11:23-24:
"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."
Key Principles of Faith
Understand Your Circumstances: Before anything, discern the nature of your challenges. Knowing this guides you to the specific scripture relevant for that situation. God's direction in scripture is precise, similar to how He provided specific instructions in various Biblical narratives. I have seen from the scriptures that different circumstances call for different strategies. Various times during a time of trouble, war or healing, we can see through scriptures that God used a particular strategy. When Jesus was healing, He responded using various ways. The Holy Spirit is your ultimate help here, always ready to enlighten your path if you call upon Him.
Know Your Request: Clarity in your desires is crucial. Just as Jesus asked the blind man what he wanted (Mark 10:51), so must you articulate your needs specifically. This specificity not only helps in praying accurately but also in recognizing and testifying when prayers are answered. As Jesus asked the blind man, "......what do you want me to do for you?" Jesus could tell he was blind, but He still asked. So ask yourself, what exactly do you want?
Find the Scripture: Once you comprehend your need, immerse yourself in scripture. The Holy Spirit will guide you to passages that resonate with your situation. He knows the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:11). The practice of searching and meditating on these scriptures strengthens the assurance that your prayer aligns with God's will. You may be in the process of learning how to know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. I am still in that school of learning too. I go dig on the internet sometimes, and yes, the Holy Spirit is not opposed to that. He is very happy to meet us at our level and bring us up higher. Don't feel less spiritual if you have to do that. It's ok! I have found many scriptures that way.
Follow Practical Steps: Often, the Holy Spirit nudges us toward practical actions that accompany our prayers. These faith-driven steps, if obeyed, bring about the desired outcomes. Trusting and yielding to God's guidance can be challenging but is essential for spiritual growth. I have often faced times when I didn't trust His voice. This has taken time to develop, and it is a journey. We often yield to those we trust. Some of us have broken relationships with God; sometimes, this is a big obstacle to yielding and obeying. (In another post, I will share hindrances to faith). I encourage you to find your way back home to Him as I did. It will be immensely beneficial for you both spiritually and physically.
Align with God's Word: Ensure that your requests are in harmony with biblical teachings. Even if a specific need, like a car, isn't directly mentioned in the Bible, scriptures affirming God's provision, such as Psalm 34:10, Philippians 4:19, Matthew 7:7, etc, provide the foundation for your faith in God's provision.
Pray with Scripture: Present your requests to God, using scripture as your dialogue Isaiah 1:18. Remind God of His promises, affirming your faith in verses like Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:18. This spiritual reasoning reinforces your faith and aligns your spirit with God's will. Never a thought that God forgets His promises but that He wants us to ask Him Ezekiel 36:36-37 and James 4:2
As we journey together, these foundational truths prepare us for deeper exploration in Part 2. I invite you to let these principles enhance your faith and lead you to seek a deeper walk with God as you journey on.
Join me in Part 2 as we continue to unpack these divine truths, drawing closer to understanding the essence of unwavering faith.
