April 20

By Faith Not Feeling

For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” — Rom 1:17 BSB

I shall not die; I can, I do, believe in the Lord my God, and this faith will keep me alive. I desire to be numbered among those who are just in their lives; but even if I were perfect, I would not try to live by my righteousness. I would cling to the work of the Lord Jesus and still live by faith in Him and by nothing else. Even if I were able to give my body to be burned for my Lord Jesus, I would not trust in my own courage and constancy. I would still live by faith.

If I were a martyr at the stake,
I’d plead my Savior’s name;
Entreat a pardon for His sake,
And urge no other claim.

Living by faith is far more secure and joyful than living by feelings or works. The branch that lives in the vine lives a better life than it would by itself, even if it were possible for it to live at all apart from the stem. Living by clinging to Jesus, by deriving everything from Him, is a sweet and sacred thing. If even the most righteous must live in this way, how much more must I, who am a poor sinner! Lord, I believe. I must trust You wholly. What else can I do? Trusting You is my life.