The Gift of Faith

In verse 9 we see the reference to faith, but not just any faith.  Remember Romans 12:3 speaks of “the measure of faith” that is given to every man.  The faith in verse 9 is not the same as in Romans 12, but is rather “Faith by the same Spirit" …a “Gift” of faith.”

The gift of faith is divinely given faith for a particular and specific thing or time. It is the supernatural, strong, unshakeable belief in or for something that is without evidence of proof.  It is different from saving faith and distinct from the faith which is the fruit of the Spirit. It very often overlaps into the working of miracles and the gifts of healing, but can stand of its own accord.

We see this sort of supernatural faith in many descriptions in Hebrews 11:33-37.

The Gift of Faith is Not

It is not merely natural courage or confidence. These are great and can keep someone going in hard times, but they are not “the Gift of Faith”.  Sinners can possess courage and confidence! 

It is not faith to be saved (or “saving faith”) In fact the Gift of Faith is NOT AVAILABLE to one who is not already a Christian.  Romans 12:3 tells us of the saving faith (the measure of faith that was given to every man). 

The gift of Faith is not just “hoping”.  It believes against all appearances to the contrary.   

The gift of Faith is NOT defined as “that which allows you to believe a particular dogma, tradition, theory, doctrine, etc.   

As examples of what Faith is NOT, let me submit this: 

I’ve known of several instances where people say “God is calling me to go (or to do)……..”  (Fill in the rest for yourself).  They will then say “I only need X amount of dollars” or “I’m just waiting on God”, and I’m believing God for it!  

Folks, THAT is nowhere near Faith and is certainly NOT the gift of Faith.  Those kinds of examples are more closely related to UNBELIEF. 

Faith says, God said it and I’m doing it.  Faith says I’m stepping out on nothing, and I AM GOING TO find something there!!! Faith, REAL Faith lies in knowing that it is absolutely impossible for a particular thing to happen, yet Faith is KNOWING GOD SAID IT and HE WILL PERFORM IT. 

What is the Gift of Faith?

 The Gift of Faith can be equated to the fig tree that Jesus cursed. It is knowing that the roots are cursed and dead before you ever see the tree die.   

It is knowing that the prayer is already answered (the key here is in KNOWING, not HOPING) before you ever see the evidence. 

Faith ceases to be Faith the moment you see it come to pass. 

I know of a prime example of faith.  A young couple had a little girl that developed spinal meningitis.  The doctors prepared them for the worse and indicated that their little girl was going to die.  You can imagine the tears that were shed as they braced for the worse.  The young man went to his father, a man of great faith who looked at his son and said “Son, that baby is NOT going to die.  I’ve talked to the Devil, and I’ve talked to the Lord and the Lord said that baby is going to live”.  That little girl is now a 6th Grader.

There are many other examples that could be given, but just ONE is sufficient to show that the gift exists and is in operation.

The reason many people today do not see God moving like they want is that they have a lack of faith.  Their faith is not faith at all, it is UNBELIEF.  I for one still believe that God can do ANYTHING at all!  How about you?