Faith’s Choice by late REV. J. C. RYLE.
The true secret of doing great things for God is to have great faith. Brethren, I suspect that we are all apt to err a little on this point. We think too much, and talk too much, about graces and gifts and attainments, and do not sufficiently remember that faith is the root and mother of them all. In walking with God, a man will go just as far as he believes and no further. His life will always be proportioned to his faith. His peace, his patience, his courage, his zeal, his works—all will be according to his faith.
You read the lives of eminent Christians, perhaps—such men as Romaine or Newton, or Payson or Scott, or Simeon or McCheyne—and you are disposed to say: “What wonderful gifts and graces these men had!” I answer, you should rather give honour to the mother-grace which God puts forward—you should give honour to their faith. Depend on it, faith was the mainspring in the character of each and all.
I can fancy someone saying: “They were so prayerful—that made them what they were.” I answer: “Why did they pray much? Simply because they had much faith. What is prayer but faith speaking to God?” Another, perhaps, will say, “They were so diligent and laborious—that accounts for their success.” I answer, “Why were they so diligent? Simply because they had faith. What is Christian diligence but faith at work?”
Another will tell me: “They were so bold—that rendered them so useful.” I answer, “Why were they so bold? Simply because they had much faith. What is Christian boldness but faith honestly doing its duty?”
And another will cry: “It was their holiness and spirituality—these gave them their weight.” For the last time I answer, “What made them holy? Nothing but a living, realising spirit of faith. What is holiness but faith visible and faith incarnate?”
Now, dear brethren, would you grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? Would you bring forth much fruit? Would you be eminently useful? Would you be bright and shine as lights in your day? Would you, like Moses, make it clear as noonday that you have chosen God before the world? I dare to be sure that every believer will reply, “Yes; yes; yes! These are the things we long for and desire.”
Then take the advice I give you this day: go and cry to the Lord Jesus Christ, as the disciples did, “Lord, increase our faith.” Faith is the root of a real Christian’s character. Let your root be right and your fruit will soon abound. Your spiritual prosperity will always be according to your faith. He that believeth shall not only be saved but shall never thirst—shall overcome—shall be established—shall walk firmly on the waters of this world—and shall do great works.