learn to believe…
Kathy on Oct 6th 2008
Isaiah 7:9 (NLT 1996)
“…You do not believe me? If you want me to protect you, learn to believe what I say.”
Isaiah 8:11-14a (NLT 1996)
The Lord has said to me in the strongest terms: “Do not think like everyone else does. Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you. Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else. He will keep you safe.”
In service, one recent Sunday night (9-21-08) two messages came forth from the Lord. They both had to do with faith. This was the essence of the messagaes: Believe me..believe in Me…I will lead you along the path…you must trust me…
As God’s children we sometimes have a problem with faith. The Bible tells us that the spirit of God within us is greater than Satan that is in the world. But our five senses continually pick up satanic messages telling us otherwise. When you stop and think about it, the strength of God’s Word against Satan’s lies is amazing! In the face of all we are bombarded with, just one time of really connecting with God, changes our wavering faith into strong, great faith and we are able to continue to stand by God’s living power within us!
To help us, the scriptures above let us know that we can “learn” to believe. We know the verse “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” Rom 8:17. Taking the measure of faith we already have, we hear God’s Word and our faith is strengthened. But in the same chapter it says God’s people heard but didn’t welcome what they heard. And the last verse of Rom Ch. 8 states: “All day long I opened my arms to them, but they were disobedient and rebellious.”
So when we hear/read the Word of God, we need to have our hearts prepared. We can pray and ask God to help us receive, understand and obey His word. It is amazing and faith strengthening to personally receive something from the word of God as while reading the Bible, then hear the same thing preached from the pulpit. It confirms what God has been speaking to us is the same message He is speaking to the whole church. Exciting things happen when we take time to go toward God.
In our own power we cannot do and be all that God requires of us. But by daily “going to God” in a hundred little ways He will teach and train us. His Spirit, the Word and the way He responds to our believing prayers “opens our understanding” and strengthens us to do His will.
We can ’learn’ to trust Him…no matter what circumstances come our way and He will direct our paths!
