Mix With Faith

Hebrews 4:2 says, 

'For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.' (NKJV)

In this verse, we hear of many people hearing the gospel, however, the impact it had was not the same with everyone. This was not because of the quality of the preaching or because those hearing didn't understand. It was simply because those who saw no change in their life did not listen in faith.

When the word of God is applied with faith, great things take place. We see this in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Everyone in the army of Israel would have heard of the great things that God had done for them and the promises they were still yet to see, but all they could focus on was the great Goliath. David, however, didn't see a mighty warrior, his focus was on the Lord, and the fact that they were God's chosen people. He had not only heard of the great things that God had done and would do, but he mixed that hearing with faith, stepped forward and claimed a great victory for Saul and the kingdom.

The Israelites, who were led out of Egypt, had spent many years waiting for their redeemer. When freedom finally came it wasn't enough, the crossing of the Red Sea wasn't enough, the manna from heaven wasn't enough. They continued to grumble because of their circumstances, wishing they were back in Egypt. Even though they were currently living out the promise that they had waited hundreds of years to experience, their lack of faith made it impossible to enjoy it.

Hearing God's word is only the first step. Applying it, in faith, will make all the difference.