byWhat is faith? Some say that it is a confident expectation in God to do something He has promised. What if I told you that it’s about taking God at His Word, no matter what the physical appearances look like? Yes, that’s how I define faith, and I’ll show you from scripture why I say that. Jesus used an event as an example of expressing faith in Luke 11:5-8, and I want us to examine it. He said,
[5] … “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; [6] a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ [7] And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” — Luke 11:5-8 (NIV)
In this scenario, Jesus clearly explained that shameless audacity in demanding what you believe God wants to do for you is crucial to expressing your faith. Let’s delve deeper.
Place your requests to God.
When you take a critical look at the scripture, you’ll notice that the friend in need placed a request, even at an odd time. He was in need, but without him placing that request, they wouldn’t have been fulfilled. Right? In the case of God, He never sleeps nor slumbers. He is ever ready to hear your prayer request at any time of the day. He is omniscient, so He knows what you are coming to tell him even before you place your request. But Jesus, right after giving this scenario, said,
[9] “… Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Luke 11:9-10 (NIV)
Think about this. You will only have what you ask God for, not what you shut up about. So, the first step in expressing your faith is by talking. Why shut up when there are matters to address before God? Get up and pray!
Be persistent with what you want.
Another step in expressing your faith is by being persistent. If you think you will get what you are believing in God for by speaking just once, I tell you that it’s time to step up. In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus said,
[23] “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. [24] Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” – Mark 11:23-24 (NKJV)
Consider the frequency of times Jesus used the words “say/says”. Three times. But the word “doubt” was used just once. Meanwhile, many people start doubting God when they realise that when they pray, they don’t get immediate results. Can I tell you something? You must continue to be persistent in prayer about what you are requesting from God. That is where you must be shamelessly audacious. Some hurdles in life cannot be crossed over by remaining calm. Even the woman who demanded justice from her adversary, according to Luke 18:1-8, obtained what she wanted by persistently approaching that lawyer. Is it a job you are asking God for? Is it marriage? Whatever the case may be, if God has shown you the way, be bold and persistent in presenting your request.
Never stop praying. For the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (see Matthew 11:12). It is well with you.
