by Rex Rouis
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing (comes) by the (spoken) Word of God.” Rom.10:17
If we have heard nothing from God, then there can be nothing to believe. If God had not spoken and we had not heard, there would be no basis for faith. We may need, want, or hope for faith, but we could not possibly have it, because we had not heard anything to create it.
The Bible says, “Abraham believed God,” Rom. 4:3. In order for Abraham to believe God, God had to speak to Abraham. God spoke; Abraham heard, and Abraham believed what he heard. What Abraham heard came “by the spoken word of God,” and His faith came as a result of him hearing that spoken word. Abraham placed his faith in what God said to him. It was a personal word to him and to him alone. The faith in our heart comes in the same way. It is based upon a word from God to us. A spoken word that makes the written word come alive in our heart. It comes alive because the seed of this word was planted and watered, and now it has become full-grown. The heard word of faith is the harvest of the silent written word sown into our hearts and nurtured to harvest.
“But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.” Mark 4:20
When we give our hearts to the word of God, and to seeking the face of God, we can count on Him to be faithful to respond. He will speak, and we will hear. This is where faith comes from – from hearing. And that is where the victory comes from – from faith.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. I John 5:4b
He is faithful in what he promises, for the Bible says, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (I Thessalonians 5:24). Therefore, one of the simplest definitions of faith is ‘hearing God and believing what He says.’
Comments
Thanks Nick. How are you and Pauline doing?
Hi Andy,
God has done incredible things since I last wrote regarding our situation. So many things came against us here that it simply could not be normal. But what the devil thought he was doing to ruin us (and the plans that the Lord has for us), God has turned around.
He is moving us to another region of Spain. We are buying a holiday business that is already set up. It has 5 fully furnished apartments with T.V., Internet, two pools (we could not get permission for one here!).
It was priced at 400,000 euros but we negotiated a price of 250,000! Also there are no property transfer taxes or notary fees to pay as the property is held in a UK Ltd company, saving another 11% on the purchase price!
It seems strange that He brought us to Spain to one property and; after 16mths, moved us on again but if that is what He wants then fine. Our work here must be done.
The area we are now going to has a large “Hippy” community so another challenge for us.
Please pray that we can sell our current property quickly, easily and; for a good price, contrary to what one would expect due to the Financial Crisis here! It will be a great testimony as properties take 5-years to sell, on average.
I pray that all your trials will come to an end soon, having made you both stronger and; closer together, in a deeper relation with the Lord.
All the best, Nick.
Nick and Pauline
Will you email me?
Of course, I need your email address!
I’m not sure what day it is where your are at – if it’s a Monday or Tuesday – so let me wish you both a very Merry Christmas before the days get away from me. I was glad to hear of our Lord’s leading and blessing to you – directing you. I have asked Him to find a buyer for your property and all the particulars involved in it’s sale. Praise God for tongues. I may not know exactly how to pray but my spirit molded with God’s Holy Spirit does. I believe He wants His very best for you and therefore so do I. Merry Christmas Nick and Pauline.
Andy
Faith mechanic – thank you!
This post has touched my heart. Mark 4:20 Praise you God!!! I know He is speaking to my heart about something. I have thought about this “something” before but did not know – did not understand that it was God prompting me through the Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus for going away and giving me the Holy Spirit. Thank you Jesus. Thank you faith mechanic for your wisdom and discernment – listening to God. I am blessed for finding this website. I have already spoken to my wife about this “something”. She doesn’t understand how God is prompting me. She see’s what I’m saying but only partially. I’m not sure how to move forward, I only know that I have a revelation and I’m listening to my Savior. He will give me guidance, I know, I have faith! Please, pray for me, my God is doing a work in my heart.
Andy
Andrew – Thank you for this gracious comment and all your other comments. God is obviously leading you and guiding you. This encourages me.
When asked to increase the disciple’s faith, Jesus taught on perseverance in asking, seeking, and knocking. Do not give up. Keep seeking Him. Spend time with Him, where you are totally quiet and still. It takes time to get there – to shut your mind down, but when you do, it is wonderful. The quiet can actually seem loud. Early mornings are best for me because my mind is still groggy.
Seeking, quiet time, and meditation is all over the Bible – reading the Word, confessing the Word, and then spending time before Him. As you do it, things will get clearer and an understanding sufficient for obedience will come. Many times, the answer does not come directly in the quiet time, but will bubble up later. Quiet time is like downloading on a computer. Once, and only when, it is fully downloaded can it be used, trusted, and acted on.
Do not worry if you cannot fully explain it to others. Things of the spirit are difficult to convey. The Bible says that they are ‘spiritually discerned.’ The Bible is not a book like other books. We can go deeper and deeper into it only as the Holy Spirit opens our eyes and hears. But we are never to go beyond what the simple direct written word says. The Holy Spirit adds detail but never changes the written word. God bless you.
FaithMechanic
A very Merry Christmas to you. Thank you for your efforts on this website. Your words have been an inspiration to me since I first found this site. I continue to look and listen and support your work. It is a faithful work and worthy of my support. I have appreciated the articles and paintings as they have drawn grand pictures in my mind and as they have been used to open my heart. I choose to associate with this website and your efforts to support believers and draw those outside the fold as well. My prayer is God will use this site and His Word found in this site to capture those looking for answers just like me. Continue to feed us. Keep up the good work!
Merry Christmas
Andy
Thanks Nick, and that book looks good. I plan to order it. Thanks again.