The current unsettling situation in the world explains the reason why Christians have to watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave and be strong (1 Cor.16:13) so as to be able to overcome the unsettling situation. It is faith in action that leads one through every struggle and brings breakthrough. Every situation at this moment requires faith because it involves stepping into a future that is unknown. Without faith, one would be hindered by uncertainty and would not be able to act on his spiritual responsibility. Without action on what one believes, it is impossible to stand firm and receive breakthrough. Apostle Paul in his exhortation to the early Christians who were then experiencing similar situation in Corinth, encourages to watch and stand fast in the faith and not allow their faith to be polluted as a result of unnecessary leadership rivalry. They should be brave and strong to be able to confront and overcome the precarious situation they were facing.

The Faith in reference here is heart faith that begins and ends with the supernatural movement of God. Heart faith which God initiates by sending His spirit to speak into one’s heart because the only way one’s heart can receive faith is by God speaking to it. One cannot force revelation, only God can give it. So, as one prayerfully meditates over the word, God grants the spirit of revelation. The Bible says, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,” (Eph.1:17) This is the faith that leads one through struggles to breakthrough.

The kind of faith that is obedient to God’s directives. God directed Abram to get out of his country to a land He God will show him. Abram did not hesitate. He obeyed God and departed as the Lord had spoken. (Gen.12:1-4) The kind of faith that fell the wall of Jericho and saved Rahab the harlot. The Israelites obeyed God’s command as directed by the Commander of the army of the Lord (Joshua 5:13-14) rather than relying on their own military capabilities. Rahab and her family were saved as a result of her faith that God has given the land of Jericho to the Israelites. (Joshua 2:9) She hid the two spies that came to spy the land of Jericho because she believed the supernatural power of God who dried up the waters of the Red Sea for the Israelites when they came out of the land of Egypt. Above all, the kind of faith that is derived from our lord Jesus Christ. Faith that gives power over sins through the power of the cleansing blood of Jesus. Faith that gives power over the kingdom of darkness by the power of the gospel that was preached, and the power to withstand suffering and the hope that death is only a transition into a better realm. (Rev.12:11)

Biblical study shows that Jesus on several occasions refers to ‘Faith’ as the connecting force to the breakthrough of the beneficiaries of His miracles. The bible reveals the examples of the woman who had suffered flow of blood for twelve years, (Mark.5:25-34) the Canaanite woman whose daughter was demon-possessed, (Matt.15:21-28) the healing of the servant of a centurion’s. (Luke.7:1-10) They were all credited to the faith of the recipients. The examples show the extent to which faith can lead one through struggle to breakthrough.

Dear brethren, while we have been advised to examine ourselves whether we are in faith, (2 Cor.13:5a) we have also been encouraged to stand firm in faith (1 Cor.16:13) The word of God is the standard by which we can examine our lives to see whether we are in faith or not. If Jesus lived His supernatural earthly life out of the daily revelation His Father was giving Him, (John.5:19) we His followers can also live supernatural lives out of the revelation of the written word of God given to us. Faith cometh through the word of God. I pray that the Word of God enumerated here will encourage you to stand firm in faith that you may overcome every struggle of this life and have a resounding breakthrough in Jesus Excellent name. Amen

Evangelism Tell someone today, it is through Jesus Christ’s supernatural power that one can overcome the struggles of life. Jesus is waiting to give the power to as many that accepts Him as their Lord and Saviour.

Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre