Opening Scripture
Acts 3:16 – “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”
Faith is the currency of the Spirit — the medium heaven recognizes for accessing provision, healing, and blessing. Yet in ourselves, we are bankrupt. The wonder of grace is that what God requires, He Himself provides.
Faith: Heaven’s Currency
Faith is the currency of the Spirit. It is what heaven recognizes as the medium of exchange for divine provision, healing, and blessing. Without it, the Scriptures are clear:
- “He that cometh to God must believe that He is.” (Hebrews 11:6)
- “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
- “All things are possible to him that believes.” (Mark 9:23)
Faith is non-negotiable. It is heaven’s language. It is the bridge between the visible and invisible.
The Poverty of Man
But here is the mystery: left to ourselves, we are bankrupt. We do not have enough faith to meet heaven’s demand. Like beggars with empty hands, we stand unable to purchase the very thing required of us.
This is where frustration often arises. We try to “work up” faith, as if it were human energy or positive thinking. But real faith is not manufactured by man; it is supplied by God.
The Faith Which Is By Him
Acts 3:16 gives us a key insight: “The faith which is by Him hath given this man perfect soundness.”
It was not Peter’s natural faith. It was not the lame man’s striving. It was faith which is by Him — faith imparted, supplied, and sustained by God Himself.
This is the gospel of grace: God demands faith, but then provides the very faith He requires. He places the currency in our hands so that we may “buy” what He freely offers.
Blessed Are the Poor
Jesus said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3). Why the poor? Because the poor acknowledge their lack. The poor confess, “I have nothing.”
This humility becomes the doorway to divine supply. The proud try to stand on their own merit; the humble stretch out empty hands and receive.
The cry of the father in Mark 9:24 captures it well: “Lord, I believe — help my unbelief!” That cry is not weakness; it is the very posture that invites God’s supply of faith.
Application for Daily Life
This truth reshapes how we approach prayer, challenges, and waiting on God:
- When you feel faithless, don’t pretend. Confess your poverty, and ask Him to supply.
- When the task ahead seems too great, don’t lean on willpower. Ask for the faith which is by Him.
- When you face impossibilities, remember: He not only holds the answer, He also provides the faith to lay hold of it.
Faith is currency, but grace is the hand that places it in your pocket.
Prayer
Father, I acknowledge my poverty before You. I have no faith of my own to please You. Yet You are rich in mercy, and You supply what You require. Give me today the faith which is by You. Strengthen my heart, and let Your grace empower my steps. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.