The Power of Faith, Part 2 – Hebrews 11:11-12

By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.  Heb 11:11-12

The faith you receive to trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for salvation is the same faith you are to practice to obey Him as Lord. Whether you have a faith that can move mountains, or a faith that is as feeble as a bruised reed, the object of every genuine believer’s faith is the same- Jesus Christ. Herein lies the power of faith.

By the testimony of Sarah’s faith in Christ, we see what the power of faith can do.

Faith moves. (By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive…)

Sarah received the ability to conceive by clinging on to God’s power and promise. Everyday, whether we are navigating through stormy seas or still waters, we must walk by faith. By faith, we are in Christ. It is a gift of God through which we are saved. Every spiritual blessing that is ours in Christ is realized and claimed by faith- love, joy, peace, strength, and victory in spiritual warfare. (Rom 15:13; Phil 4:13)

How can we improve our faith?

– By the body of Christ. No believer can be spiritually healthy in isolation from the body of Christ. God has given us brothers and sisters in the local church to strengthen and edify one another.

– By practicing love. A truly healthy church practices upholds sound doctrine and practices love. We must love one another in deed and truth, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other.

– By prayer. Faith always prays. Prayer without faith is feeble, infrequent, and unbelieving.

Even the littlest faith can do all things. Look to Christ and seek His wisdom, guidance, and power. By faith, we will receive. (Luke 17:6)

Faith trusts God. (…she considered Him faithful who had promised…)

To conceive at the age of 90 was impossible, but Sarah believed and obeyed God because she considered Him trustworthy. Trusting God is at the heart of powerful faith. We trust in God’s promises because He is the One who promises, and great is His faithfulness- those who trust in God know true peace and rest. (Lam 3:22-23; Ps 23) By faith, we believe God promises as ours in Christ, and His Word becomes the foundation of our hope, joy, and endurance through life.

Faith bears fruit. (Therefore there was born…as many descendants as the stars…)

Who we are today is the byproduct of our faith. Sanctification depends on faith. No matter what your circumstances are today, if you have true faith, you will grow, because God is the source of fruit-bearing faith. To grow is to practice faith. As we live by faith, God will produce the fruit in our lives that glorify Him and identify us as His own. This is the power of faith.