Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

The Bible says that faith is a gift from God, but that it also involves our cooperation in believing in Him and trusting Him. God wants to build our faith as we trust in Him and obey Him. The writer to the Hebrews states that faith is being absolutely sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not yet see. God can give us great vision for the future and as we put our faith and hope in Him, He helps us to dream big dreams and believe for much more than what we could ever imagine.

These dreams have to do with Heaven’s plans for us and what God wants to do through us. God wants to touch and heal so many people through us as we offer our lives as vessels of healing and restoration to people. God is in the process of reconciling a lost world to Himself and He has given us the privilege to be involved in that in a big way. The benefits of serving Him wholeheartedly with growing faith is that as we delight in doing His will, He delights in blessing us with the desires of our hearts. Those desires and passions are slowly aligned with God’s best for us as we are totally surrendered to His will.

I am challenged by these verses to diligently seek the Lord and contend for great miracles to happen in the lives of many people who I’m ministering to. People need miracles of healing, reconciliation and transformation of the heart. Our community needs to turn to God in a big way, and I am motivated these days to pray for our community that multitudes will come to know the Lord. Nothing is too hard for the Lord and as I diligently seek Him I am trusting that He’ll work miracles in people’s lives so that many people will come to know Him as their Lord and Savior.

Thank you, Lord Jesus for giving me great faith that is beyond my own natural ability to believe. I pray that You would fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in wisdom and obedience before You so that I can effectively lead the people I pastor into greater dimensions of faith and effectiveness in ministering to our community.