What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? — James 2:14 (NKJV)
True faith is more than just words or wishful thinking. It’s more than writing down your dreams or speaking about your goals. Real faith is a spiritual conviction so strong that it pushes you to act — to take the steps necessary to bring your desires into reality.
Scripture tells us plainly: “Faith without works is dead.” Many people talk about what they hope to achieve, but deep down, they don’t believe they’re worthy of it.
That lack of belief can cancel out their faith before it even has a chance to work. Mark 11:24 reminds us: “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
The first step toward living by faith is to trust God — and to believe in yourself. You were born with complete control over your own mind and the power to direct your thoughts.
Don’t let doubt or outside opinions rob you of that gift. Never merely hope; know. When you believe, truly believe, your mind becomes a powerful tool that can help create the life you desire — but belief must be paired with action.
Know what you want, ask God for it, thank him for it as though you’ve already received it, and then work toward it. Like the old hymn says: “It is no secret what God can do. What he’s done for others, he’ll do for you.”
Practice gratitude in the present tense:
• “Lord, I thank you for my new home.”
• “Lord, I thank you for my new car.”
• “Lord, I thank you for my children’s success.”
Your words of faith set spiritual forces into motion that prepare the way for your blessing. I’ve seen it in my own life. When I opened a small family business on Georgia Avenue, I had no savings and was living on unemployment.
An investor gave me $500 for the first month’s rent — and that little shop stayed open for nine years. Later, that season prepared me for my work with the D.C. Council, leading a project that has since become a national monument.
Faith is not passive. Remain open to inspiration, act on your ideas immediately, and view setbacks as challenges to overcome rather than reasons to quit. A burning desire is the foundation of faith. If your vision is unclear, your belief will waver — and without belief and persistent action, your goals will remain out of reach.
When doubt creeps in, remember: “Whatever a man believes, that shall he also receive.” Fear is simply faith turned backward. Faith looks forward with expectation; fear clings to the disappointments of the past. Your life will always reflect your thoughts, your attitude and your willingness to put your faith in God into motion.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
