James 2:14-26 Faith Without Works is dead

Last week when visiting some older friends, I felt the Holy Spirit give me a word from James 2:14-26 for these friends. The word was faith without works is dead. Leading up to this word, this couple have gone through some traumatic events this last six months. The husband, Tom, experienced a stroke leaving his left arm and leg completely immobile causing him to be placed in a nursing home. His wife, Iris, as a result sold the family home and purchased a small apartment to be near to her husband. Since the stroke, we have prayed continuously for this couple and according to scripture have believed God for Tom's full recovery.

When I arrived to visit Tom last week, though he was still immobile I sensed faith arise both in him and myself when we talked and prayed together. In response I sensed the Holy Spirit say that it would not belong till Tom would be returned to his precious wife Iris and once again living as man and wife in their new apartment. After praying, Tom was so filled with joy and faith that he asked me to visit Iris at her new apartment.

Arriving at Iris' apartment, I shared with her about our time of prayer and what I sensed the Holy Spirit had me share with her husband. As we were talking I sensed the Holy Spirit say "Faith without works is dead". And as such if we are to believe God at his word and promises that we must act accordingly. I then told Iris to do what she felt she should do, but had I been her that I would buy a double bed to place in their apartment in anticipation for her beloved Tom's return. Iris' eyes lit up as I said this and you could see her faith literally in her eyes and said that she already had one in storage.

It is this kind of faith that God looks for in us who believe, faith that results in action. When we say we believe something, that belief must bring about change in our lives otherwise our belief is futile. Again if we say we believe that Jesus is Lord and Saviour of our lives than our lives should be a reflection of this truth. When there is no change, reaction or result in our faith than really our faith is futile. Hebrews 11:1 says faith is now and our reaction to God's promises must also be now. It makes no difference what we have believed and done in the past but rather what we believe and are doing with our faith for today that truly matters.

I still don't know if Iris has arranged for the double bed to be moved into their new apartment, but without it there is no faith.

Put your faith to work today!