In many circles, the message of faith is one that is avoided, never spoken of, mocked, or even spurned. I read an article just the other day from a secular news site about the North American prosperity message – it didn’t talk about how God wants His people to be blessed so that they can be a blessing to others, but rather made it out that Christians play the offering basket like a slot machine.

Faith is not a message to be shied away from.

So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)

You can’t be a Christian and not be a person of faith. The faith message isn’t some name it and claim it, blab it and grab it message. It is a message of hope. A message of salvation. A message of a God who truly wants to bless His people.

This is what the Scripture says: “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” That is the teaching of faith that we are telling.

Romans 10:8 (NCV)

The purpose of the message of faith isn’t to make Christians rich. It is to proclaim the Good News of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Your faith has the potential to change not only your life, but the lives of those around you.

In our reading for today from the Gospel of Matthew, we find an account of a leader of a synagogue who tells Jesus that, if only he could come lay hands on his daughter, she will be raised from the dead (Matthew 9:18). Because of that man’s faith, his daughter lived and reports of the miracle spread throughout the countryside.

A woman who had been bleeding for twelve years thought that if she could just touch Jesus’ robe, she’d be healed.

Jesus turned around and said to her, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Matthew 9:22 (NLT)

And still, after that, two blind men followed Jesus believing He could restore their sight.

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

Matthew 9:29 (NLT)

Your faith is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it is something to tell the world about! As you continue reading through the Gospels, see how much faith accomplished.

What could happen because of your faith?

Daily Bible reading: Genesis 27-28, Matthew 9:18-38