Faith: The Foundation of Spiritual Growth
Reflections on Chapter 1 of The Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford
Faith, as Miles J. Stanford highlights in this opening chapter, is not a passive concept but an essential foundation for every believer's spiritual growth. It is both the starting point and the sustaining power of our walk with God. Rooted in Scripture, faith transcends mere emotional impressions or probabilities and anchors itself firmly on the immovable facts of God’s Word.
1. Faith Anchored in Scripture
Stanford begins by emphasizing the biblical basis for true faith. Faith is not wishful thinking or positive affirmations but a confident trust in the facts revealed in Scripture.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith substantiates and gives evidence to unseen realities, standing firmly on the Word of God.
As Stanford notes, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Without the foundation of God’s Word, faith is reduced to speculation or presumption.
Our journey of faith begins with believing the gospel—Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). It is this same faith that enables us to stand (1 Corinthians 16:13), walk (2 Corinthians 5:7), and live (Galatians 2:20) in Christ.
2. Faith Beyond Impressions and Probabilities
Stanford warns against relying on impressions or probabilities when exercising faith.
Impressions: As George Mueller stated, “Faith has to do with the Word of God. It is not impressions, strong or weak, which will make the difference.” Faith must rest on the certainty of God’s promises, not fleeting emotions.
Probabilities: Stanford quotes Mueller again: “The province of faith begins where probabilities cease and sight and sense fail.” Faith operates in the realm where human reasoning falters, trusting God to fulfill His Word despite appearances.
This perspective challenges us to reject the natural tendency to measure God’s promises against our circumstances. Instead, we are called to take Him at His Word, trusting that His faithfulness transcends human understanding.
3. Faith Tested and Strengthened
Stanford introduces a vital truth: faith is often refined through trials.
1 Peter 1:7 speaks of the “trial of your faith” as being more precious than gold. God uses difficulties to strengthen our trust in Him.
J.B. Stoney observes, “Real faith is always increased by opposition.” Trials expose false confidences and deepen our dependence on God.
Evan Hopkins adds, “Faith needs facts to rest upon,” reminding us that God’s Word, not our circumstances, is the sure foundation during times of testing.
4. Faith and Dependence on God
True faith, as Stanford explains, grows in the soil of dependence on God.
James McConkey writes, “Faith is dependence upon God. And this God-dependence only begins when self-dependence ends.” Often, it is through sorrow, suffering, and the collapse of self-reliance that we learn to trust God fully.
Trials are not obstacles to be avoided but “the very food of faith,” as Mueller noted. Through these experiences, we discover God’s sufficiency and draw closer to Him.
This deepening dependence shifts our focus from earthly sorrows to heavenly realities, aligning our hearts with Colossians 3:2: “Set your affection on things above.”
5. Faith Rooted in Knowing God
Finally, Stanford underscores that faith is not merely about believing promises but about knowing the Promiser.
John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. Faith grows as we deepen our relationship with the One who is the source of all truth.
2 Peter 1:2–4 reminds us that God’s “exceeding great and precious promises” enable us to partake of His divine nature. The more we know Him, the more our faith is strengthened.
Conclusion: Building on the Foundation of Faith
Stanford’s exploration of faith in The Green Letters challenges us to examine whether our faith is truly rooted in God’s Word. As we stand on the facts of Scripture, reject reliance on impressions and probabilities, and embrace the trials that refine us, our faith will grow.
Faith is not about striving harder or believing more intensely; it is about resting in the certainty of who God is and what He has said. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, our lives will reflect the steadfastness and joy that come from trusting in His unchanging promises.
In the words of Miles Stanford: “Faith is the foundation upon which God builds His spiritual house, and it is the means by which we live, walk, and stand in Christ.” Let us embrace this journey of faith, confident in the One who is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).