I heard the question once asked, “What is the difference between an ‘excellent game’ and ‘game excellence?’”

At first it sounds like the same thought except a change in the order of words. But in reality there is a world of difference between the two. An excellent game is when a team comes together on a particular day and displays excellence. The team may possibly be one of the worst but they have a good day and work together as a team and the result is a display of excellence.

On the other hand we have game excellence. This is when a team displays excellence every time they walk on the field or step onto the court. You see this is a team of individuals who have disciplined themselves to produce consistent excellence in the sport they are involved in, not just every once in a while getting “lucky” and having a good game.

Keeping this in mind, I believe there is a lesson to be learned concerning faith. The Bible has a lot to say about faith. It says that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” (Romans 10:17). The Bible declares that faith in Jesus can “make thee whole,” (Mark 5:34). It can save you, (Luke 7:50 and 18:42) and there is even rewards in Heaven for us who keep the faith, (2 Timothy 4:7-8). The blessed word even tells us what faith is in Hebrews 11:1-3.

Everyone who has trusted Jesus as their Savior has faith and knows about faith, but let me ask you, do you practice living faith every day? I see a lot of believers who have “excellent faith.” They go through the routines of life and seemingly do all right. The problem is they worry and fret over every little crisis that comes their way. They can’t see how it is going to work out. They don’t know how the bills are going to get paid. They want answers because they are terrified of the unknown. The faith they have is truly an excellent faith because we have an excellent Savior but are they practicing consistent “faith excellence?” I don’t believe so. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, “For we walk by faith and not by sight.” This means we don’t have to have all the answers and we don’t have to be fearful of the unknown. We don’t have to know what tomorrow holds because we know who is holding tomorrow.

We need to as the church to start practicing and living faith everyday not just once in awhile like the team who got “lucky.” Faith is a powerful tool that God granted to us. Jesus said if we have just a small bit of faith, we can move mountains. Having a small amount of faith will cause us not to worry about the bills getting paid or how we will overcome the next trial in our life. If I were to ask, “Who reading this article wants to please God,” I’m sure each of us would say, “I want to please God.” Well, Hebrews 11:6 says, “For without faith it is impossible to please Him.” I do know some people that are pleasing God. They don’t worry and fret over every little thing and they do place their faith and trust in God to meet their needs and work His will. I’m encouraging all to be that “just” person that Habakkuk 2:4 speaks of and let the faith you have be alive in you each and every day of your life. You’ll soon learn that when the Bible says that “the just shall live by faith,” that it takes just faith to live pleasing to the Savior.

Tune in to WBCU 103.5 FM Sundays at noon for the Shining Light Broadcast. I preach a 15-minute message that I pray will be a blessing to those who listen. If you have a prayer concern, comment, or question, please write to: Voice of Victory, Attn: David Burrell, PO Box 1221, Pacolet, SC 29372 or e-mail me at daveburrell@live.com.