August 4

Faith and action

“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions” (Heb. 11:33).

We walk by faith. Do we? What record is there on high of things that by faith we have obtained? Is each step each day an act of faith? Do we, as children of God, really believe the Bible? —Hudson Taylor.

Passive faith accepts the word as true—
But never moves.
Active faith begins the work to do,
And thereby proves.

Passive faith says, “I believe it! Every word of God is true.
Well I know He hath not spoken what He cannot, will not, do.
He hath bidden me go forward! But a closed-up way I see;
When the waters are divided, soon in Canaan’s land I’ll be.
I hear His voice commanding, ‘Rise and walk; take up thy bed’—
And I know that He can help me to arise as He hath said.
When I am a little stronger, then I know I’ll surely stand;
When there comes a thrill of healing, use with ease my other hand.
Yes, I know that ‘God is able,’ and full willing all to do;
I believe that every promise, sometime, will to me come true.”

Active faith says, “I believe it! And the promise now I take,
Knowing well, as I receive it, God each promise real will make.
So I step into the waters, finding there an open way;
Onwards press, the land possessing; nothing can my progress stay.
Yea, I rise at His commanding, walk straightway, and joyfully;
This, my hand, so sadly shriveled, as I reach, restored shall be.
What beyond His faithful promise would I wish or do I need?
Looking not for ‘signs or wonders’ and full willing all to do—
I believe that every promise at this moment can come true!”

Passive faith but praises in the light,
When the sun doth shine.
Active faith will praise in darkest night—
Which faith is thine?

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