Do You Have This Kind of Faith?

Something strange happened to them when they heard about Jesus. They were overwhelmed with supernatural power that gave them deep assurance that Jesus is who he says he is. Their faith brought about acts of love and an inspiring hope that was obvious to others. They were filled with supernatural joy despite their severe suffering in a culture that hated Christians.

This is how the apostle Paul describes the faith of the new Jesus followers in Thessalonica. If it doesn’t describe your faith at the moment, why not? Should we expect that kind of faith today?

Are you experiencing a powerful and vibrant faith?

Here’s an assessment that will help you reflect on how deeply you are experiencing the powerful presence of God.

How Empowered Is Your Faith?

1. Do I draw my strength from Jesus so that I can encourage and strengthen others? Am I tender with others, willing to forgive and pardon them? Am I slow to feel anger?

Most of the time

Not Much of the time

2. Do I do what I say I will do? Do I trust that God will enable and equip me to do what he has called me to do?

Most of the time

Not much of the time

3. Do I delight in serving in serving, especially in the church? Do I desire to do good so that Jesus alone gets the glory for my service?

Most of the time

Not much of the time

4. Do I make a special effort to think about the needs of others and treat them with special care? Do I enjoy caring for others?

Most of the time

Not much of the time

5. Do I allow God to be God and accept his timetable, not trying to manipulate him or others to bring about what I think is best? Do I truly rest in God as I wait on God, not stressing or worrying?

Most of the time

Not much of the time

6. Do I keep a sense of well-being, trusting that God is in control of every part of my world? Do I maintain a calm spirit as I pray away the feelings of fear, agitation, and discord that try to dislodge God from the center of my life?

Most of the time

Not much of the time

7. Do I rejoice each morning when God awakens me? Do I delight in God’s presence and choose joy even in the midst of trials and tribulations?

Most of the time

Not much of the time

8. Before I act or speak, I consider if I am being a vessel of God’s love. I also put my love and concern for others above myself, even if they don’t love me.

Most of the time

Not much of the time

9. Can I resist the power of the flesh? Am I able to control my tongue? Is my life free from addictions and secret sin?

Most of the time

Not much of the time

10. I would describe my faith as strong.

Yes

No

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While we all experience spiritual dryness at times, it should never be the norm of our walk with Jesus. Some may protest that we shouldn’t expect to always live on the top of the mountain, but God has promised his presence even when we walk in the valley of the shadow of death (see video at end of post).

Perhaps today we’ve settled for too little faith–maybe just enough to get us through the gate of the kingdom of God. Perhaps we’ve lowered our expectations for the abundant life that is promised by Jesus for today. Perhaps we’ve thought too little about the power of God’s faith available to us and how to connect with it.

May we never minimize the Holy Spirit power that exploded the message of the gospel within the souls of the Thessalonians when they first met Jesus. May we remember that it is the same power that created the universe! And the same power that works in us when Jesus lives in us.

Lord, teach us to stay connected to your power. Help us to nourish our faith.

Psalm 23 reminds us of the comforting truth that, no matter the circumstances, we are never alone, for the Lord is our Shepherd, our Protector, and our Sustainer. We can trust him with our lives in every way.

Watch the video below.