Living by
faith and not by fate is a principle deeply rooted in the Bible, emphasizing
the trust and reliance on God's promises and provisions rather than mere
acceptance of circumstances. This fundamental doctrine is a recurring theme
throughout various passages in the Bible.
The essence of faith is beautifully captured in Hebrews 11:1,
which states, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the
conviction of things not seen." This verse underlines the concept of faith
as the unwavering confidence in God's promises and the firm belief in the
existence of things not yet visible to the human eye.
The distinction between faith and fate is articulated in the
conviction that faith represents a deliberate choice to trust in God's plan,
while fate aligns more with a passive acceptance of circumstances. Faith is
about living in accordance with the promises and prophecies bestowed upon us by
God. These promises are a blueprint for our lives, providing guidance and
assurance in a world where fate might seem to reign.
Living by faith involves an active participation in seeking,
understanding, and embracing the promises of God. It requires knowledge and
awareness of these promises, knowing that they are the pathway to the life God
has intended for each individual. Without this understanding, one might
inadvertently fall into a life governed by fate, unaware of the richness and
purpose that faith offers.
Being a believer in Christ does not automatically guarantee a
life lived by faith. It's entirely possible to profess faith and yet miss out
on the fullness of God's plan for one's life due to a lack of active belief in
His promises. This disconnect can result in a life that appears faithful on the
surface but is, in reality, driven by personal endeavors rather than reliance
on God's provisions.
The declaration made by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane,
"Not my will, but yours be done," exemplifies living by faith. Jesus,
in His complete obedience to the Father, demonstrated an acute awareness of
God's will, choosing it above His own. This pivotal moment underscores the
importance of comprehending God's will, reflecting the distinction between
living by faith and mere acceptance of fate.
Living by faith involves discernment and understanding. It is
the ability to differentiate between God's promises unfolding in our lives and
the natural course of events. This awareness empowers individuals to recognize
when God is at work versus when situations are merely products of human efforts
or random chance.
Therefore, the call to "live by faith and not by
fate" resonates as an invitation to actively engage with God's promises
and prophecies. It's a call to understand and embrace God's intentions for our
lives, rather than passively accepting circumstances as inevitable. Embracing
faith means trusting in God's provisions, guidance, and design, rather than
relying solely on personal capabilities.
In conclusion, the Bible encourages believers to live a life
of faith, grounded in the assurance of God's promises and prophecies, instead
of surrendering to a life dictated by fate. By actively engaging with God's
plan, individuals can experience the richness and fulfillment that faith
brings, aligning their lives with God's intentions and provisions.