What Jesus has done for the fathers in the faith, He will do for the sons and daughters—if they will imitate the faith of their fathers.
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
(Heb. 13:7-8)
Years ago while in Mexico, I was working with a team for several weeks, preaching in small churches and praying for the sick. One native pastor watched us closely for several days as we prayed for the sick.
Suddenly, in the middle of a meeting, right when we were about to pray for a man with severe back problems, that native pastor jumped to his feet and announced, “I can do that.”
He proceeded to pray just as we had done, and within moments, the gentleman with the back problems was bending over and touching his toes, completely restored.
I can still remember that pastor’s ear-to-ear grin. It seemed to shout, “My faith will work just as the American preachers’ faith will work.” And he was right, because the promises of God are all yes and amen (2 Cor. 1:20) to those who will believe them by faith.
How we need spiritual fathers in the faith who will teach their sons and daughters these truths and pray that their eyes will be opened! Who will help them to understand that those who are with them are more than those who are against them?
Who will show them that the truth of God’s Word will change the circumstances around them if they will just dare to believe?
I have had the pleasure of knowing several great fathers in the faith, men who went out with nothing but a divine call burning in their hearts. Against impossible odds, they built great works for God.
They established churches, evangelized nations, brought the gospel to places where it was previously unproclaimed (sometimes with little or no support financially from their denominations)—all because they trusted in God.
Just being around men who have left a mark upon this world for good can change our life. You not only learn about faith, but their spirit of faith rubs off on you!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Bayless Conley is a pastor and speaker known for his clear presentation of the Gospel and the way he applies the life-changing truth of God's Word to everyday life. It's this same truth that radically turned his life around when a 12-year-old boy shared the Gospel with him many years ago.
Bayless' unique background and remarkable testimony have enabled him to reach a diverse audience of people globally. In 1979, God called Bayless to share His Word on television, and in 1984, the broadcast was launched. Today, the Answers with Bayless Conley broadcast is impacting lives around the world in numerous languages.
Bayless, with his wife Janet, pastors Cottonwood Church, a thriving nondenominational church located in Orange County, California. Bayless is the author of numerous books and booklets including Cast Down But Not Destroyed, Footprints of Faith, How to Pray, Turning Mistakes into Miracles, There Is Always Hope, and a 365-day devotional called Answers for Each Day.
