Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee.~James 4:7
Today I heard a definition of faith that rang so clear in my ears. Faith is a response. It is a response to what we hear and choose to believe. Think about it. If the weatherman says it’s going to rain we take an umbrella. We respond! God has sent forth His Word. It is spoken, written, and it has dwelt among us in the Son Jesus Christ. God requires a response. Do we believe Him? Do we believe His word? If so, then our response should be one of obedience and action because we believe the report of the Lord. We are not believing in what we can do. We believe in the One who can do all things. We respond to the truth that because He lives in me I can do all things through Him that strengthens me ( Philippians 4:13). Therefore, I can hear His word, receive it and then respond.
So today. as I sat in Sunday School class, I was presented with a choice. Was I going to respond with assurance in what God said or was I going to respond based on my emotions? Whom was I going to believe and believe in? My response was yes and amen to God. My response was to submit to God, resist the devil and walk in victory. My faith was not in what I could do or my willpower to obey. My hope, my faith, was totally in my reliance and dependence on the author and finisher of my faith ( Hebrews 12:2).
I prayed, waited on God, and received a blessing like no other. My response of surrender and submission to God allowed me to enter into His presence, to be strengthened by His great compassion, and praise Him with joyous abandonment. I praise Him because He did what I could not. He allowed me to respond to my Lord, Savior, and King. Christ in me the hope of glory ( Colossians 1:27). He gave me the strength to resist the devil and he flees because he can not stand in the light of the Lord.
Whatever battle you may be facing. Whatever situation that seems hopeless. No matter how much you may feel like you are being pulled a part at the seems. Know this! Our God reigns! His Word can be trusted. His promises are true and He loves you. Jesus intercedes on our behalf. We are not forsaken and the enemy has no hold on you. Respond to the great love that Jesus has for you. Draw near to Him without fear of rejection. Embrace a pure and powerful love.
Father I thank You for the gift of You. In Jesus name. Amen
Oh wow yet another confirmation that I'm to trust and be patient waiting on God's timing. Just when fatigue was trying to set in again. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteTo God be the glory!
DeleteGreat! Praise God Almighty!!
ReplyDeleteLove your aha! I was in corn last night and the spirit was free and flowing in many but not me, or not like others. I try not to compare experiences but the pastor has been expressing the importance of the believer being filled with the baptism of the holy spirit. I don't understand my fear of allowing it...I believe I'm letting go, response, but I'm still missing the joy. I keep pressing. Thank you for praying with me.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Jennifer. Faith generally requires some action on our part. When we have faith, we need to start operating in it. I am believing God for another job with better benefits, better pay, great retirement plans and closer to home. Therefore I must apply for jobs that meet these requirements. Then I can watch God act on my behalf. God is awesome!
ReplyDeleteAmen. God will provide.
DeleteThank you for this insight, want to be in that place of mark 4 24-25 a useful vessel
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