The Works Of Faith
A few years ago I spoke to a friend about my decision to wait on God to fulfill a certain promise to me instead of taking matters into my own hands. I’ll never forget her response, she said, “Krystal, faith without works is dead”. That stuck with me for about 2 years. It stuck with me because I felt then, and know now, that God has called me to be still in this area of my life, yet the scripture she had given me was very much true. What I failed to realize at the time is that my interpretation of this scripture was false in that both me and that friend missed the deeper meaning behind the word “works” in James 2:17.
James 2:17:
“Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
The “works” that are being referred to in James 2:17 is that which is evidence of faith at work in your life. Ask yourself, what have you chosen to do out of faith in God? If it’s being still and waiting on the Lord, that’s the “works”. Your ability to remain still (wait) is evidence of faith at work in your life.
It’s the act of being still or waiting on the Lord that brings to attention just how much faith you have in God. It confirms the livelihood of your faith. If the Holy Spirit prompts you not to take action, that means God is about to do His best work in your life.
Let me give you an example:
James 2:21
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac a son on the altar?”
God promised Abraham his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, yet when prompted to, Abraham’s act of faith wasn’t doing all he could to make that promise come to past, his act of faith was being obedient to the command of God, of which initially urged him to sacrifice his only chance at reaching the promise God had given him; his son. Sometimes waiting may feel like this; sacrificing what may seem like opportunities to get closer to the promises God has spoken over your life.
Your “works” should keep you in the will of God, and sometimes those works simply do not make sense, sometimes they completely contradict the promises God has given you. Nevertheless, remain faithful and obedient. The illogicality behind your footsteps is what will highlight the miracle, it’s what will ultimately give God the glory for your story. It wouldn’t be special if anyone could do it, it has to be an “only God can do it” kind of circumstance.
Your only job is to trust that God has plans to prosper you, and avoid leaning on your own understanding. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways (See Isaiah 55:8). Keep your eyes on God, not the promise. When you’re too consumed by the thoughts of reaching your promise you will find yourself be led by the promise. Focus on God, and allow Him to lead you. If He said He’ll do it, He will. Focus on the Who, not the what, or the when.
