Only by Faith
We must live by faith, trusting God's goodness and faithfulness, even when things become difficult and unclear.
K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of faith in God's good plans for our lives, reminding us that He is always faithful, even in difficult times. He encourages believers to continually affirm God's love and purpose for them, trusting that He will work all things for their good. Living by faith means relying on God's strength rather than our own understanding or feelings, especially during trials. Yohannan highlights that true faith allows us to find peace and joy in the Lord, regardless of our circumstances, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:17-19. Ultimately, it is through faith that we can approach God with all of life's challenges, knowing He is our refuge and strength.
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Fourth, remember the Lord has good plans for you. He is faithful to you no matter what. We must remind ourselves of this truth continually, especially when things become difficult and unclear. Remind your self and say, "God loves me. He called me for a purpose. He is always good, always faithful. I can trust Him." It is because of the assurance of who He is that we are able to continue on, never turning back or walk ing away from Him.
Fifth, live by faith, not by sight or feelings. Faith, by nature, is based upon what we cannot see. Things happen and we can't understand why. But we can believe that God will work it out for the best. We can cling to Him in depression, hurt or sorrow, knowing that these things are for a reason and that He is strong enough to carry us through.
Only by faith can we look to the Lord in every situation. We may not know the solution yet, but He can give us peace as we trust Him to work all things together for our good. By faith we come to Him with what ever life brings--joys and sorrows--knowing that He is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
Listen to this cry of faith in Habakkuk 3:17-19:
Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls-- Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Sermon Outline
- God's Faithfulness
- Living by Faith
- Clinging to God in Difficult Times
- Depression, hurt, or sorrow are for a reason
- God is strong enough to carry us through
Key Quotes
“God loves me. He called me for a purpose. He is always good, always faithful. I can trust Him.” — K.P. Yohannan
“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” — K.P. Yohannan
“God will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- Remind yourself of God's goodness and faithfulness, especially in difficult times.
- Trust God to work all things together for your good, even when you don't know the solution yet.
- Cling to God in your struggles, knowing that He is strong enough to carry you through.