12 - Faith

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The First Fruit of God’s Word

Let’s talk about the very first fruit that starts to grow when someone truly welcomes God’s Word.

It’s one simple word, but it’s the foundation of everything else: faith.

Paul puts it plainly:

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

This verse lays out a spiritual sequence, a three-step process that never changes:

1. God’s Word

2. Hearing

3. Faith

Sounds straightforward, right? But there’s more beneath the surface.

Hearing Comes Before Faith

Faith doesn’t just pop up instantly. The first thing God’s Word does is create hearing.

Hearing here isn’t just your ears picking up sound—it’s an attitude.

It’s opening your heart and leaning in, saying, “Lord, I’m listening.”

And from that posture of listening, faith rises slowly, like dawn pushing back the dark of night.

That’s why so many people—even in church—have little faith. The problem isn’t God’s Word lacks power; it’s that we don’t let it simmer long enough to soak in.

Faith isn’t microwaved; it’s slow-cooked. You can’t rush it between checking your phone and finishing your coffee.

We hurry through devotionals, speed-read Bible verses, then wonder why our faith feels as thin as tissue.

Faith takes time—time to hear, to ponder, to believe.

What Faith Really Is

Faith gets thrown around casually. We say, “I have faith in my doctor,” or “faith in the economy,” or “faith in the new diet plan.”

But Biblical faith is different. It’s not optimism or wishful thinking. It's trusting the living Word of God.

Simply put, faith is believing God means what He says—and will do what He promised.

No religious gymnastics. Just trust.

Faith in Action — “Do As You Have Said”

David got it. He prayed:

“And now, O Lord, the word which You have spoken… let it be established forever, and do as You have said.” (1 Chronicles 17:23)

That’s faith speaking: short, simple, direct. “Lord, do as You have said.”

Mary, the mother of Jesus, showed that same faith when she heard the angel’s impossible news.

Her words? “Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)

That’s the heartbeat of real faith—acting according to God’s Word. Faith begins when the Word is heard.

It grows when the heart believes. It acts when the lips say, “Lord, do as You have said.”

Faith Takes Time—and It’s Essential

Remember this: faith grows with time. Hearing starts the process, but staying with God’s Word brings faith alive.

Faith is the starting line of everything in the Christian walk. Hebrews 11:6 says it plainly:

“Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

Faith isn’t difficult to find—it’s absolutely necessary. The writer of Hebrews goes on:

“For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Faith believes two simple things:

• God exists

• God is good and rewards those who seek Him

Faith is your soul's quiet “Yes” to God: “Lord, I believe You are who You say You are, and You’ll do what You promised.”

Reflection Questions

• When you read God’s Word, do you take time to hear it deep in your spirit, or do you rush past?
  

• What promises has God whispered to your heart that you can pray, “Lord, do as You have said”?
  

• How could slowing down in God’s Word strengthen your faith this week?
  

• Is there a part of your life where you need to say, like Mary, “Let it be to me according to Your word”?

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your Word still speaks and awakens faith. Help me not to rush past Your voice. Teach me to listen long enough for faith to rise. Make my heart like Mary’s—ready to say, “Let it be to me according to Your Word.” Grow my confidence in who You are and what You’ve promised until my life says, “Do as You have said.” Amen.

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