For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:2
Everything that the word of God says can only come into realization when faith is applied. For example, regarding the name of Jesus, we are told that whatever we ask in that name, Jesus promised to do it, and that whatever we ask the Father in the name of Jesus, the Father will give us. But like everything that the word promises, it has to be appropriated by faith. When apostle Peter ministered to the lame man at gate of the temple, he did so by faith.
Having said this, it goes without saying that faith cannot appropriate what is not promised in the word of God. But whatever the word promises, faith is capable of making real in the physical realm. This means that faith does not have an innate ability apart from the word of God; if the word does not promise, faith is impotent. Faith is the instrument by which we are connected to the promies made by God in His word. Without the word, faith is meaningless, and without faith, the word will only be a potential. So the question that we must ask is, has it been promised in the word of God? If it has, faith can make it a personal experience. This leaves us with the responsibility of knowing what the word of God says, and then receive it by faith.
Toni
