A Currency is a medium of exchange that grants access to goods and services. In the spiritual realm, faith grants access to the promises of God (Hebrews 11:6). It is through faith that we receive salvation (Ephesians 2:8) and all spiritual blessings (Mark 11:24). Just as one cannot purchase items without money, we cannot access the fullness of God’s provision without faith (James 1:6-7, Matthew 9:29).
Faith is not just an internal belief but, has outward expressions that can be seen. It is seen through one’s level of anticipation, actions, bold declarations, peace in trials, joy before the answer comes, obedience and ability to persevere,
Faith as a Currency
1. Understanding the Concept of Currency
- In the physical world, money is needed to obtain goods and services. It is a means of exchange. In the spiritual world, faith is what allows us to receive from God. Without faith, we cannot withdraw from God’s storehouse of blessings.
- Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
2. Faith as a Transaction in the Spiritual Realm
- Just as money is backed by an authority such as a government, faith is backed by God’s Word and character. We exchange faith for healing, provision, and breakthrough—just as in the Bible, where people ‘spent’ their faith and received miracles.
- Mark 11:23-24 – “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Examples of Faith as a Spiritual Currency
- The Woman with the Issue of Blood “spent” her faith by pressing through the crowd. Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well,” showing faith is the transaction that secured her healing. (Mark 5:25-34)
- Blind Bartimaeus shouted, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” His persistence showed faith, and Jesus responded, “Your faith has healed you.” (Mark 10:46-52)
- We receive salvation by faith, not by works, meaning faith is the spiritual transaction that grants eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-9
Faith is Visible
Faith is often seen as something internal, but in reality, true faith has outward evidence. If someone has faith, you can see it in their behaviour, words, and actions.
- Faith causes us to prepare in expectation of what God will do. For example, Noah built the ark before it rained (Hebrews 11:7). If someone believes they will receive a job, they start preparing e.g. by polishing up their CV, and dressing for interviews.
- Faith requires action. According to James 2:17, faith without works is dead. For example, the four men who brought their paralysed friend to Jesus tore off the roof to get him healed (Mark 2:4-5). Their faith was visible. V5 states, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
- Faith speaks before seeing the answer. For example, David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even started (1 Samuel 17:45-47). If someone believes in healing, they declare, “By His stripes, I am healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
- True faith keeps us at peace during testing times. An image of this kind of peace is Jesus asleep during the storm (Mark 4:38-40). If someone believes God will provide, they don’t panic when finances are low.
- Faith gives us joy before the answer comes. 1 Peter 1:8 says “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” For example, Hannah worshipped before she conceived Samuel (1 Samuel 1:18).
- Faith leads to radical obedience. In Hebrews 11:8, Abraham left his home without knowing where he was going and in Luke 5:5-6, Peter cast his net into deep waters at Jesus’ command, even though he had fished all night without success
- Faith doesn’t quit. It presses forward until the answer comes. For example, the Canaanite woman persevered and kept asking Jesus for healing for her daughter, even when it seemed like Jesus was ignoring her (Matthew 15:21-28). Job 13:15 – “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.
To build faith, we must first clear up some common misconceptions by understanding what faith actually is. Many people confuse faith with simply wanting something to happen, which is really a desire or a need. Others think of it as a feeling or an idea. But faith is far more than that — faith is intelligence. It is the product of knowledge, and the amount of God’s Word you carry in your spirit determines the measure of faith you walk in.
Take away Points
- Faith connects our experiences to heaven’s reality.
- Faith doesn’t wait for the circumstances to change before believing – It believes first and acts accordingly.
- People of great faith are people of great Word.
- Without faith, it is impossible to please God and access the fullness of what he has in store for us – Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection
- Do you have enough of God’s Word in you to confidently expect what you’re praying for?
- Do you have the right understanding to support your expectations?
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