Faith Must Be in the Mix

Hebrews 4:2 – “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.”

A lady was being shown through a mill where the power was generated by a fast-flowing river close by its walls. All the gears inside, however, were inactive. “How do you make things work?” the visitor inquired. She was shown a handle and told to pull it. Immediately, a mighty force came into play, the wheels turned and the place was alive with motion. In the same way the power of God surges into the human soul at the touch of faith.

It is said that the planet Venus is warmer than Mercury, although Mercury is nearer the sun. This is due to the character of the atmosphere surrounding each planet and its capacity for retaining the heat they receive. So, too, every man is a miniature world in the universe of God. His faith or his unbelief determines his capacity for receiving or rejecting those things which are freely offered by the Lord.

Once when the children of Israel were confronted with the problem of advancing against the Canaanites, most of them were appalled by the strength of the enemy. Caleb, however, was undaunted by the giant antagonists and their walled cities. With a courage born of faith he said, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it” (Num. 13:30). The promise of God that Israel was to inherit the land was mixed with faith in his heart, and he did not dread what seemed impossible odds.

Equipped with the full armor of God and garrisoned by His grace, we too can advance in Christ’s name and by faith overcome the difficulties that confront us.

By faith the saints of old prevailed,
God’s enemies did down;
Now, walking, trusting just as they,
May we too win a crown!