Faith is an important foundation for understanding our relationship to God. As Paul writes in Romans 4:3-8, “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” (ESV).
When Abraham put his faith in God, he was credited with righteousness. This means that rather than being made right by our own good deeds or works, we are declared righteous by what Jesus did on our behalf. We simply need to trust in Jesus alone and accept His grace and mercy.
The power of faith also means that even though we may feel unqualified when presented with opportunities from God such as leadership roles or sharing the gospel with others, He knows that His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Rather than relying on ourselves for success, we need to exercise faith that He will equip us for whatever He calls us to do (Hebrews 13:20-21).
In moments of doubt and uncertainty about decisions we have to make, faith can give us peace and assurance that God’s plans for us are always best. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways and turn away from our own desires or agendas (Proverbs 3:5-6), it pleases Him and opens doors of opportunity that would otherwise be closed.
We can never earn enough good deeds or merit favor from God through works; only through the power of faith can we receive salvation through Jesus Christ. May we strive daily to walk faithfully before Him so that He may be glorified in everything we do!