The Unassuming Benefits of Faith

This post is by Shari Gabourel.

If I can pass along a bit of advice, it would be not to underestimate the remarkable benefits of connecting with God through His Word. Being deliberate in regularly engaging the Word of God is a practical and effective means to living and regulating your life in faith.

I think of it like getting in a recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals—from fruits and vegetables.

Before I go any further, you should know consuming fruits and vegetables IS NOT my first love. I’m of the opinion dark chocolate covered almonds should be officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a dietary supplement—and the suggested serving size should be 16 pieces, taken twice a day. But I digress.

We’ve long been told about the proven health benefits of eating fruits and veggies. Take dark green leafy vegetables, for example.  Kale, Spinach, and Salad greens are exceptional nutritional sources that are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K.  In addition, they are known for their elevated supply of folate and fiber. Each identified vitamin has significant roles and functions in the human body. Consequently, the lack of these vitamins can result in a risk factor deficiency.

Here is the point I want to make…At no time when I’ve eaten a fresh green salad, have I visually observed the A vitamin in or around the leaves. In fact, I have never seen with my bare eyes any of the purported vitamins said to be in what is known as a superfood.

Yet, I am persuaded of the vitamins’ presence and its efficacy because repeated consumption of the produce has delivered tried-and-true results.

The same can be said about consuming the Word of God.

 I get that reading the Bible is not most people’s favorite pastime. Like certain vegetables, it can be deemed unappealing and hard to swallow. But once you are convinced there’s more to the Scriptures than meets the eye, you will make repeated visits to its pages, anticipating the promise of transformation.

I can affirm consistent reading, studying, and listening to the word of God has favorably altered how I live.  Through regular engagement, you too will notice the Word’s influence.  How you think, how you react, the things you do and say will eventually be impacted by your time spent in God’s Word. Your perspective will change.  Mine did.

Romans 10:17 says,

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (English Standard Version).”

The text became amplified by a certain writer’s obsession to draw out the unassuming traits of faith, highlighted in the following points:

Faith comes…and hearing.

“The Greek meaning for faith is pistis. Its meaning includes, but is not limited to conviction, the truthfulness of God, reliance upon Christ for salvation, assurance, belief, and fidelity.

Hearing means listening to; attending to; observing what is commanded.” 

The writer suggested restating the passage substituting the words or phrases for the word faith, which now reads:

So faith comes…conviction comes…the truthfulness of God comes…reliance upon Christ for salvation comes…assurance comes…belief comes…from hearing, listening to, attending to, and observing what is commanded, through the Word of Christ.

Who knew all that would come simply from regularly engaging in the life-changing Word of God?!

 Just as green leafy vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, so too is God’s Word. And with no balanced consistency to consume either, the invaluable benefits remain untapped.

Consider God’s word to be your spiritual dietary supplement. I promise it is filled with all the vital nutrients needed for everyday living. You may not always perceive the moral impact such a practice will have, but don’t let that stop you. Continue to consume it.

Your efforts will not be worthless. Faith and all its characteristics will indeed come, and the inevitable spiritual benefits will be apparent!

Excerpts taken from Encouragement from a Sometimes Anxious & Mostly Believing Christ-Follower: The practice of living and moving in Christ despite your skepticism, by Shari Gabourel

Gabourel, Shari. Encouragement from a Sometimes Anxious & Mostly Believing Christ-Follower: The practice of living and moving in Christ despite your skepticism. Los Angeles, Literally Classic Series, 2018

Author Bio

Shari Gabourel is a retiree and a Generation Xer, who is haphazardly homeschooling her two Gen Z daughters. She holds a B.S. in Business Management and a Certificate in Christian Ministry. Shari and her husband with the kiddos in tow, recently relocated from Southern California to North Carolina. As her family adjusts to the Southeastern region of the U.S., Shari has continued her love of writing and studying the Word of God. When she’s not typing, she and her family are most likely playing Uno while eating Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream.

Photo by Vince Lee on Unsplash