Digital Download Course
By Jeremy Lopez
Faith has always been the driving force behind extraordinary accomplishments. One of the most compelling examples of unwavering faith is Abraham, the friend of God. His journey was a testament to what it means to trust in divine promises, even when circumstances seemed impossible. However, his story demonstrates a fundamental truth at work—faith is not merely a spiritual act but a decision that requires mastery over the soul man.
The Role of the Soul Man
God created man with three distinct aspects—body, soul, and spirit. While the spirit man is always in complete agreement with God, the soul man, which consists of the mind, will, and emotions, acts as the gatekeeper between faith and doubt. It is in the soul that battles of belief and unbelief take place.
The challenge is that the soul often leans on logic, feelings, and immediate reality, which can contradict God's word. Faith demands that we consciously overrule our doubts and align our soul with divine promises. This is precisely what Abraham had to do.
Choosing to Judge God Faithful
God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. Yet, for years, nothing happened. Abraham and Sarah grew older, and the possibility of having a child seemed humanly impossible. Doubt crept in, and at one point, they tried to "help" God by taking matters into their own hands, leading to the birth of Ishmael. However, God's promise was never dependent on human logic—it was based on faith.
Romans 4:20 reveals the secret to Abraham’s eventual breakthrough: “He did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God.”
The phrase “did not waver” comes from the Greek word diakrino, which means to judge thoroughly. However, it also carries a strong connotation of quivering inside, reflecting inner turmoil and conflict. In other words, while Abraham's feelings and fears may have been in direct opposition to the promise, he made the conscious decision to judge God faithful. He chose to believe that God would be faithful to fulfill His word, even when everything around him suggested otherwise.
This insight is powerful because faith is not about the absence of fear or doubt but about overriding them. Abraham wrestled with the reality of his circumstances. But instead of letting those feelings rule over him, he deliberately chose to trust in God's faithfulness.
Faith as a Deliberate Decision
The key takeaway from Abraham’s story is that faith is a choice, not an automatic response. Abraham had to take control of his thoughts and decide that God’s promises were more real than his circumstances.
This principle applies to every area of life—whether pursuing dreams, achieving success, or overcoming challenges. The mind often analyzes situations and presents evidence of why something won't work. Emotions fluctuate, sometimes leaning toward fear or discouragement. If left unchecked, the will may hesitate or resist taking bold steps. However, by actively choosing to align thoughts, emotions, and decisions with faith, a person positions themselves for the breakthrough.
The Gatekeeper’s Power: Allowing or Denying Access to Faith
Our thoughts, emotions, and opinions—the soul man—do not merely stand between faith and doubt; they serve as the mechanism that allows faith to operate or blocks it entirely.
When our thoughts, emotions, and will align with God's promises, they empower faith. They open the gate, granting access to belief and trust in what God has spoken. In these moments, faith flows freely, strengthening our resolve and allowing us to experience the fullness of God’s blessings.
However, when the soul man conflicts with God's Word—doubt, fear, and reasoning contradict faith—it acts as a gatekeeper denying access. The door to faith remains shut, not because God withholds His promises, but because we have not given faith permission to work.
This reality necessitates a powerful choice: we must take authority over our thoughts, overrule our emotions, and bring our will into submission to God's truth. It is not about ignoring our feelings or suppressing our reasoning, but about making the deliberate choice to judge God faithful, even when our circumstances and emotions argue otherwise.
Conclusion
Faith is more than a belief—it is a conscious decision to trust beyond what is seen. The soul man, consisting of the mind, will, and emotions, is the gatekeeper, determining whether one aligns with faith or succumbs to doubt. Like Abraham, every person faces moments when their circumstances seem to contradict the promises they hold onto. However, the path to success and fulfillment is unlocked by mastering the gatekeeper and choosing to judge God faithful.
Abraham's decision to judge God faithful allowed him to receive the promise, strengthened his faith, and brought glory to God. As he continually overruled his doubts and fears, his faith grew stronger. The more he aligned his soul with God's word, the more his life testified to God's power and goodness. His unwavering trust was not just a personal victory—an act of worship glorifying the One who had made the promise.
When faith overrules fear, when the will submits to divine direction, and when emotions align with truth, success is inevitable. The soul man is the gatekeeper—train it to align with God's promise, let faith flourish, and watch as extraordinary things unfold.
Randy Gladden
