Promised Faith

We've seen that faith is the gift of God. Some may wonder whether God has truly given them this gift. But that's the wrong question. Instead we should focus on God's promises given without restriction.

Consider these gracious invitations: "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price" (Isaiah 55:1). "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' and let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price" (Revelation 22:17).

Thirst is a metaphorical description here of those who realize their need of a savior. And "he who has no money" is a picture of one who renounces any confidence in his own good works as the way to a right relationship with God. Does this describe you? Have you realized you have no spiritual "money" with which to "buy" eternal life? If so, have you responded to these gracious invitations, coming as one who longs for that right relationship with God? God has promised that you'll drink freely of the gift of the water of life.

Look also at the gracious words of Jesus in John 6:37: "all that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." If you've truly come to him, sincerely asking him to be your savior, he will not drive you away.

Don't ask, "do I have faith?" ask rather, "do I believe the promises of God?" If you do, it's because God has given you the gift of faith. Let God's promises drive away doubt. (Excerpt taken from The Gospel for Real Life)