We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak (2 Corinthians 4:13). Romans 10:8 tells us that the word of salvation is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach. Verses 9-10, also place much emphasis on the heart; that is, the human spirit, because you believe with your spirit. Your spirit makes contact with God. That’s the reason believing is very important. Faith isn’t a response of the brain or of the mind; it’s the response of the human spirit to the Word of God.

Recall the encounter between the Lord Jesus and the man with the withered arm; Jesus called him forth while He was teaching in the synagogue and said, “…Stretch forth thy hand…” (Matthew 12:13). The concluding part says, “…And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.” How did it happen? He responded from His spirit to the words of Jesus. That’s faith. The man heard Jesus in his spirit and acted from within! His spirit took a hold of the instruction, and responded accordingly.

We find a similar example in Mark 2:11; Jesus said to a man who was lame, “…Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.” The man acted on the Word and got a miracle. There was no way he could have gotten up if he didn’t respond from his spirit. Understand this: the man’s spirit wasn’t crippled; it was his body that was afflicted with palsy. Thank God, He didn’t argue, but acted from his spirit on the Master’s instruction! Mark 2:12 (CEV) tells us that while the people watched, the man got up, picked up his mat, and hurried away. They were all amazed and praised God, saying, Respond From Your Spirit THURSDAY 29 “We have never seen anything like this!”

I’ve seen people struggle with faith, trying to get someone to stand, stretch forth his hand, or to open his eyes when he couldn’t open them. What they didn’t realize was that they were working from the outside; that doesn’t work. The response from within—your spirit—not your mind or physical body, is what produces result. Once you can believe the Word with your heart and voice it out with your mouth, it’ll produce result. That’s what Jesus said in Mark 11:23.

CONFESSION: Irrespective of what I see, hear or feel, I’m convinced that I’m a victor and a success in Christ Jesus! I’m what God says I am; I have what He says I have, and I can do what He says I can do. Hallelujah.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:3-21 Isaiah 27-28

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Timothy 4:1-10 Jeremiah 47

FURTHER STUDY: Mark 11:22-23 Romans 10:8-10