In other words, if God's Word said it, even though I may not see it or feel it yet, I still believe God's Word. It's not what I feel or see that matters, it's what I believe.
- The second fact about faith is: Faith comes by hearing. Romans 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Notice this verse doesn't say, "Faith comes by having heard." It's not a one-time deal. Hearing is continual, so you have to stay exposed to the Word of God.
- The third fact about faith is: Faith is present-tense only. Hebrews 11:1 says, "NOW faith is...." If it's not now, it's not faith. Faith speaks and acts in the present. It doesn't say, "It's going to happen one day." Faith says, "I believe I receive now. It's mine now! I have the victory!"
- The fourth fact about faith is: Faith affects the words you speak and the actions you take. For example, when you approach God, you must not only believe that He is Elohim, but you must talk like He is Elohim. You must not only believe that He can create something out of your nothing; that He can bring cosmos to your chaos; that He is covenant-keeping…you must talk that way and act that way too!
You see, it's not enough just to "talk the talk." You also must "walk the walk." Walking by faith affects how you talk. You speak only what God says. And walking by faith also causes you to act like God acts. You can't say that you believe that Elohim is going to make a way for you, and then be, as I say, "nervous in the service!"
- The fifth fact about faith is: Faith affects your attitudes and thoughts. When you are living by faith, you're thinking God's Word and His victory instead of thinking defeat. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it tells us to cast down every imagination and high thing in our mind that comes against the Word of God.
It's important to understand that Satan has access to our mind just like God does. Satan will put thoughts in our mind, just like God will put thoughts in our mind. Whatever is not consistent with the Word of God is to be cast down. Living by faith will not only affect our thoughts, it will also affect our attitude. You see, when we believe we're going to win, we can have peace and joy in the Holy Ghost!
I've noticed that championship football teams can be behind in the first quarter 14-0, and they don't panic. They don't get shaken. Their attitude says, "We've got time. We know who we are. We know who you are. And it's just a matter of time, baby. By the fourth quarter you'll be so cooked, we'll stick a fork in you."
They have confidence that they're going to win, so they just stick with the game plan. They stay methodical because they know that despite what the score board says now, they're going to win. Remember, it's not about what's happening right now. It's about how it's going to end up.
When you know you're going to win, it affects your attitude. You can have peace when you know that despite your present circumstance, you know the outcome. When you're in faith you can't be panicking, having heart attacks and heart palpitations, and acting ugly. Faith will affect your attitude and your actions.
- The sixth fact about faith is: Praise is an expression of your faith in God. As my son says when he's teaching the subject, "Praise is the very language of faith." Praise is God's way of talking. When you praise God, it's music to His ears. When you can praise God in the middle of contrary circumstances, you're doing all right!
- The seventh fact about faith is: Faith provides an understanding of how God works. Therefore, the only way you can understand how God does what He does, is through faith.
- The eighth fact about faith is: The meditation of God's Word provides a capacity for faith.
- The ninth fact about faith is: Faith sees the victory in advance. Faith expects the victory no matter what the present circumstance looks like. Remember, we are moved by faith, not by sight!
- And the tenth fact about faith is: Faith is of the heart.
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