So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17)

A person can hear and not be listening, because in order to really listen one must first focus on what is being said. To simply hear and have your mind else where can bring problems if what is being said is necessary. The word of God (bible) is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105). Many times in life we just don't know what decisions to make and the word being a lamp first of all shows us where we are at the moment. The key to knowing where to go in life is first of all knowing where you are.

When Adam and Eve sinned, the first thing God asked Adam was where are you? not where are you geographically, but where are you in relation with me? today for example, If we don't know where we are financially, we can't make the next decision to get out, if we don't know where we are in a troubled relationship, we can't make the next decision or say the right thing to begin making it better. The word is that lamp to reveal everything needed around us to use for our benefit or to avoid it becoming an obstacle in our life. The light of God's word shows us where we are and where we are going. Imagine driving your car at night without your head lights on; It would be possible to move, put to do so in fear and frustration. Only when the lights come on is there peace.

The word of God guides our lives and directs our paths because we should first acknowledge him in all our ways (Proverbs 3:6). This all eventually leads to finding the will of God for our life. Faith should not only work in church, but it must also work in our daily lives. To get up in the morning and go through the day having peace about your decisions and task begins with having faith in God's word. How do you know you have faith? because your actions are geared toward what you have faith for. Faith without works is dead being alone (James 2:17).

If a mother says she is one month pregnant, her corresponding action must coincide with what she believes. So she does everything needed to ensure a healthy baby including making preparation at home. She paints the bedroom, buys clothes, chooses a name, all before the baby even comes. When faith really comes, a person will begin to prepare for what is expected just as the pregnant woman does.

Faith also comes by hearing and not having just heard. A person must continually be reminded of what has been said or they will forget, this is why we must meditate in God's word day and night  (Joshua 1:8 / Psalm 1:2). A great example on this principle can be seen in the book of Mark 11:13-14... And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, no man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever, and the disciples "heard" it. Even though the disciples heard the words of Jesus they were not hearing them because they soon forgot what was said in just 24 hours.

And in the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter "calling to remembrance" saith unto him master behold the fig tree which thou cursed is withered away (Mark 11:20-21).)

Notice how Peter called to remembrance what Jesus had spoken the day before. This is like so many people today who may hear the word of God taught in church, or refer to it in personal bible study, but forget what has been said or read. Forgetting what has been said or read is also doubt because there is no word of God to stand on. Faith only comes by hearing the word over and over and not having just heard. We also find another account of Peter not hearing.

And Peter said man, I know not what thou sayest, and immediately while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter.And "Peter remembered" the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice.(Luke 22:60-61)

Peter had declared to Jesus that he would never deny him when in fact Jesus said that he would. The word of God will not profit an individual who does not believe it (Hebrews 4:2).  For example if faith is going to come for marital problems, one must continue hearing the word concerning marriage.If faith is going to come for financial problems, one must continue hearing the word about finances. If faith is going to come for anything, the word must be a continual part of the process. Jesus said if you continue in my word then are you my disciples indeed (John 8:31).