24/01/2023
FAITH IS NOT A FEELING - TB JOSHUA
Sometimes people base their spiritual experience on feelings and emotions. Problems arise when the feelings and emotions change. If they have not been grounded in the Word of God, doubt would arise as to whether or not the experience was genuine. For faith to be consistent, it must be based on something with more stability than feeling.
You are not saved because you feel saved; you are saved because you have put your faith in God’s Word and acted on it. You may feel good today, tired tomorrow and lonely next week, but God’s Word is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). God’s Word refreshes our mind; His Spirit renews our strength.
Feelings are influenced by what we see, what we read, and what we hear. Everyone is exposed to things that are not consistent with God’s Word. If these things control your feelings and your feelings control your faith, you can be a Christian yet controlled by satan’s devices.
Our faith must be controlled by God’s Word, not by what we feel, not by what our circumstances look like, or what others tell us, “For we walk by faith not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Our eyes, ears, heart and mouth should be tuned to God’s Word.
Since faith is the route to God, how do we get faith? The best way to get faith is to hear the Word of God (Romans 10:17). It is important for you not only to hear it with your ears but also with your heart. To hear God’s Word in your heart requires openness and hunger for God’s message:
I suggest that you read the Bible aloud, particularly the New Testament. Say the scriptures to yourself; insert your own name where the message is personal. Make a list of the promises God’s Word has for you, and by faith believe, receive and confess them daily. Faith will grow as you continuously hear God’s Word.