WHAT IS UNSHAKEABLE FAITH? | Northstar Church

“This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain.” – Hebrews 12:27

Is our faith prepared to stand whatever comes our way? Because troubles will come. They will come as the normal stresses of daily life to something that can shake the very foundation of our faith. But an unshakeable faith will keep us standing firm whatever life throws at us.

We can learn a lot about unshakeable faith from the Apostle Peter. It is easy to identify with Peter because his life, like ours, is something of a rollercoaster ride. For instance, in Matthew 16:16, in response to Jesus’ poignant and ageless question, “But who do you say I am?” Peter boldly and accurately responds, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms this answer and gives Peter the keys to the kingdom. Peter is on the mountaintop. However, a few verses later, Jesus says to Peter: ““Satan, get away from me! ” Off the mountaintop. But this is not an isolated incident.

Peter witnesses the transfiguration and naively suggests they build tents to stay awhile (Mark 9:5-6 (ESV). Peter proudly declares that he will never desert Jesus, but a short time later, after following Jesus at a distance, Peter vehemently denies ever knowing Him. In Peter, we see ups and downs: brilliance, then ignorance. He’s believing yet fearful, faithful but broken. Peter’s journey of faith is a microcosm for all of us.

God allows us to watch Peter’s faith grow as we read the Gospels, the book of Acts, and Peter’s two letters. Over time, Peter’s faith transformed from shaky to unshakeable.

Faith is being sure of things we hope for spiritually but haven’t experienced or seen with our own eyes yet. It is trusting in Jesus Christ- who He is and what He accomplished on the cross. Faith is believing His promises to us are true.

As modern-day ambassadors for Christ, we must ask God for an unshakable faith to step forward into whatever our unique callings require each day. When we face troubles, we must remind ourselves that we belong to Jesus. God is bigger than any trial or problem life may throw at you. Nothing touches your life that He doesn’t know about. He can use whatever trial He allows into your life to strengthen your faith and shape your character. He has the power and authority to remove it or use it and walk with you through it.

We cannot grow our faith. That is solely the work of the Holy Spirit. However, we can position ourselves to cooperate with His activity. Growing in faith is a lifelong journey in our Christian life.

Discussion Questions:

If I’m genuinely going to walk by faith, it will involve some risk. Agree or disagree?
How willing are you to fail in life? What do you dislike most about failing? How willing are you to fail in an attempt to honor God?