Faith is a gift from God and the fruit of the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22). It is also a virtue, and we need God's help to acquire it. Firstly, to receive this gift is to know God through steadfast prayers, daily reading, meditating on his words, and spiritual reading. We cannot trust someone we do not know well. Therefore, knowing the Lord is essential in growing this gift. Secondly, put our faith into action. In scripture, you see, the people whom Jesus healed were those who believed in Him. 

 

Faith in action is the woman who was bleeding for twelve years, took the liberty, touched Jesus' clothing, and was healed (cf. Luke 8:43-48). Jesus acknowledged her faith and said: Women, your faith has made you well, go in peace (cf. Luke 8:48). 

 

Faith in action is the four men who removed the roof above Jesus to bring the paralytic man to Him. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (cf. Mark 2:1-12). Jesus also healed him.

 

Faith in action is when Angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive and bear a son, named Jesus (cf. Luke 1:26-38). She answered yes to the Lord, without hesitation. It was her faith that helped her surrender to the Lord beyond her human imagination. We must pray to follow the footsteps of Mary and to have faith in God's plan.

 

In the Book of Samuel in the Bible, Hannah displayed faith in action. She had suffered because of her inability to have a child. She hoped that the Lord would bless her with a child, she cried to the Lord in prayers, and her petition was granted (cf. Samuel 1: 1-18). 

 

In contrast, in Mark 6:5, we see that Jesus would not do many miracles in his hometown except laying his hands on a few sick people and curing them because of their lack of faith. We see that Jesus wants us to collaborate with Him to perform miracles in our lives.

 

When in action, faith helps us to fight fear, break the chains in our lives, heal our illnesses, and help us move toward God's plans for us. It can lift us when all else fails. Faith will help us live in these challenging times because we believe that nothing is impossible with God's help. "This is the victory that conquers the world, our faith" (1 John 5:4 NIV). 

 

Today, we may be hoping for spiritual or physical healing or a blessing from the Lord. Many may be discouraged, for life has been challenging and unfair. I encourage you to pray for hope and faith in God's plan for you – for hope in God does not disappoint (cf. Romans 5:5). If you are not happy with your life's direction, go to the Lord in prayer, cry out to him with confidence, and do not despair. He will rescue you in due time. If you are sick, go to Jesus in faith, rely on Him, and let him love and heal you.

 

Recently, I had an illness that was cause for serious concern, but I was at complete peace and was not afraid. I attributed my peace, not to the understanding of my condition or my medical knowledge. I attributed it to God, who supplied me with faith, courage, and grace during this short storm in my life. He always meets us at the weakest point in life – He did that for me in his kindness and goodness. Yes, He can and will do it for you too. Whether we have little or extraordinary faith, God will honor and increase it. 

 

I invite all of you to keep these words of St. Padre Pio in your hearts and recite them often; "Pray, hope, don't worry," especially when you are losing hope and faith; and implore the master of life, Our God, to heal and bless you with your heart's desire.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me put my faith in action. It is in your name, I pray. Amen.

 

 

Originated by Rhode Aleger

Do not use without the permission of the author. Thanks