The access point that all believers have into a relationship with GOD is through saving faith in JESUS CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD; not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8 &9, KJV) So, saving faith is entry level faith. In order to be an effective operative in the kingdom of GOD one must have a greater measure of faith than saving faith. The word ‘operative’ is used in spy movies to refer to an agent employed by one nation to fulfill its agenda while living in another nation. Christians have dual citizenship in Heaven and on Earth and we have been charged by GOD to enact His will while living here; faith is essential to the fulfillment of this mandate.

​

When people travel to a foreign country they may choose to exchange their currency for the local currency. In order for Christians to do business in Heaven while on Earth, faith is the only acceptable currency. Therefore, a faith rating from the LORD of “little faith” means you would have limited transactional power in Heaven. Conversely, a rating of “great faith” from JESUS would mean a greater capacity to accomplish kingdom business here on Earth. This concept is simple enough. The LORD had occasions to ask His disciples why they had so little faith: when a father brought his son to them for deliverance (Matthew 17:17) and when they experienced a severe storm while sailing (Luke 8:25). The LORD commended two foreigners for their great faith: the Italian centurion (Luke 7:9) and the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28). They each received their request from JESUS.

​

Among 21st century Christians the attributes of self-reliance and an independent spirit are considered to be admirable, but that’s not what the Bible teaches. These attributes significantly reduce the number of effective operatives here on Earth since faith in GOD is an important prerequisite. The LORD JESUS rightly asked, “…Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh will He find faith on the Earth?” (Luke 18:8{b}, KJV)

​

Faith in oneself is idolatry of self. Idolatry is a sin. Faith in and reliance on GOD is required to please Him: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, KJV) Self-worship is inadequate and short lived because eventually you will encounter a situation in which your self- reliance and independence won’t save you; then what? You won’t be able to turn to your faith in GOD for assistance because you have very little!

​

What kind of rating would your faith get from the LORD? He desires to increase the faith of His children. He doesn’t expect us to have greater measures of faith without it first having been exercised. Now here’s the catch; greater faith can only be developed as it is used every day and through trials. You may say, “I thought that faith comes by hearing the WORD of GOD?” That’s correct according to Romans 10:17, but faith must be applied to every day circumstances or else it will not grow. Do you do this? And although the LORD said that all we need to move life obstacles out of our way is faith the size of a mustard seed (no bigger than the head of a pin- Matthew 17:20), many of us don’t even have that small measure of faith! YIKES! This would mean that after receiving salvation by faith which was a gift from GOD, most of us hasn’t developed any more faith. Carefully read the following verses of Scripture:

​

“But be ye doers of the WORD, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the WORD, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” (James 1:22-25, KJV)

​

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17, KJV) 

   

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:3-5, KJV)

​

The application of faith in GOD and His WORD to everyday situations makes you a doer and not just a hearer who deludes themselves into thinking they’re an effective Christian! If you can’t identify areas in your life in which faith in GOD and His WORD was applied and brought results, then the faith you think you have is unproductive--dead. And if this is true about you, there’s no way you’ll be able to rejoice when trials are allowed into your life by GOD so that you can develop great faith, patience, and maturity. Patience is the ability to remain committed to a cause and self-controlled over a prolonged period of time. Without the development of great faith, patience, and maturity Christians will not be able to perform the greater works the LORD JESUS prophesied (John 14:12) we would do in these last days!

​

Here’s an important side note: trials that the LORD allows to enhance spiritual growth and development are NOT like the problems we make for ourselves because of rebellion and disobedience. They have a different “feel” in the realm of the spirit. Yes the LORD does cause all things to work together for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose, but trials that occur because we are obedient are different in their progression, outcomes, and effects on us and others (read 1 Peter 4:12-19).

​

Be bold. Be courageous. Enter into the dimension of a dynamic faith walk with the LORD. Those who do are less likely to backslide because they experience daily the supernatural Presence and power of GOD, not boredom or complacency! Great faith for such Christians is a joyful reality and not just an aspiration.

​

DECLARE: “LORD JESUS, this word stirred my spirit. I want to walk in dynamic, great faith. I may not know all that developing this kind of walk will require, but I trust You. I renounce all fear and doubt. I declare that I am bold and courageous. Thank You LORD. Amen.”