The Heart of Faith: Seeking Change Within

We have all encountered the statement, "Faith in God changes things." However, I personally struggle with this assertion. A closer examination of scripture reveals that "Faith in God changes me," or more specifically, the individual placing their faith in God.

Consider the account in the book of Acts, where Peter and John stood before the religious leaders of their time. These leaders were perplexed by how to address these two followers of Jesus Christ, who had not changed in their own beliefs but were clearly transformed. Peter and John exhibited newfound boldness and certainty in their faith as they proclaimed the message of Christ to the lost and searching people of Israel. They even confronted the Sanhedrin with the question, "...Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to Him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20).

When we allow our Savior and Lord to take complete control of our lives, transformation occurs within us, rather than in the world around us. Our faith and dependence on God enable the Holy Spirit to empower us to fulfill His purposes through us. In Isaiah 6:8, God asks, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" To this, Isaiah responds, "Here am I. Send me!" Isaiah's faith transformed him, allowing him to be used by the Almighty, just as Peter and John were in the New Testament.

I long for our world to change. I wish that hate would turn to love, bombs would become gifts, and suffering would be alleviated. Yet, evil persists and is rampant. Change will not occur until Christians stop compromising and attempting to do things on their own terms. By placing our faith in God and allowing the Holy Spirit to take complete control, we can make a difference. As stated in II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land."

There is so much more required of us than merely offering a prayer of faith. We must humble ourselves, seek God's presence, and turn away from wickedness. When we commit to this path, our faith in God will deepen, and we, too, will grow.