If you have faith as a mustard seed…nothing will be impossible for you. —Matthew 17:20
"We do not earn anything through faith— faith brings us into the right relationship with God and gives Him His opportunity to work. God wants you to understand that it is a life of faith, not a life of emotional enjoyment of His blessings. Faith by its very nature must be tested and tried. And the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character must be proven as trustworthy in our own minds. Faith, as the Bible teaches it, is faith in God coming against everything that contradicts Him— a faith that says, “I will remain true to God’s character whatever He may do.” The highest and the greatest expression of faith in the whole Bible is— “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15)." - My Utmost For His Highest
God’s intent is that we have a serving faith, not a self-serving faith. The greatest commandment, the one that all of the law hangs on is to “love God with all of your mind, souls and strength” and the second is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) Jesus said “No greater love has one man than this, but to lay down his life for his friend” (John 15:13) Just like Jesus did for us. “If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be a servant.” (Matthew 20:26) “So where do I fit in?”, you might ask. “What about me?” Good question. What about YOU indeed!
What do you think it means to pick up your cross daily? (Matthew 16:24-26). If I am truly living a life of faith, then I must abandon any notion that my needs must be met before I follow Jesus .. before I put the full weight of my future in the hands of God. Faith in God means that I trust Him and not myself. Listen, living by faith is a spiritual act, not some great expression of personal will and determination. God will take you places that defy human strength and courage. We are so puny and God is so great.
“It’s not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Our challenge with faith is remembering that the strength that is borne out of it is from God and is not some strength conjured up from way down in our inner being. And so, we must draw close to God seeking a greater faith when we are tested in this life. Living a life of faith does not mean that we do what we want and then trust that faith will get us out of whatever problems our decisions have caused. It means that we live our lives in obedience to the will of God, by the power of God, in step with the leading of the Spirit, placing our full trust and confidence in God. So that we can say, just like Jesus, “Not my will but thy will be done.” And really mean it. "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my (Jesus) sake will save it." (Luke 9:24)
Our request to God should be like the father with the son who was possessed. The father had exhausted every hope of a cure.
"Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” "From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” - Mark 9:21-24
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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