UNWAVERING FAITH!
“Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:2-5 NLT)
Those friends were not allowing any obstacles to block their way in getting their friend to Jesus. They persistently and creatively found a way to get him to Jesus. (Not sure I would have put a hole in someone’s roof, but this speaks to their desperation and desire.) They were determined for their friend to see Jesus and be healed.
Jesus “seeing” their faith and acknowledged it by healing their friend.
This passage brings questions to reflect on about faith:
What am I doing to make sure people hear about Jesus?
Who am I bringing to Jesus regardless of the cost?
Am I determined to see people healed and their lives transformed?
Am I persistent and creative in sharing Jesus with others?
Does Jesus “SEE” my faith?
Persistent, determined, steadfast, creative faith gets Jesus’ attention, and He will respond.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me faith that doesn’t give up in the face of obstacles. Give me faith You “see” and respond to. As I read, study, and respond in obedience to Your Word increase my faith capacity.
Lord, I want to be like Peter and get out of the boat and come to You no matter what is going on around me. Help me to keep my eyes on You, at all times so my faith will not waver. Thank You Abba Father. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Words of Encouragement:
“Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].” (Hebrews 11:1 AMPC)
Trust/Faith is the key that unlocks the heart of God.
Remember this, faith is the title deed. That means it belongs to us. No one can take it away from us. We control it! It’s ours! So don’t give it away!
From God's, and faith's, perspective, you don't have to see it to believe. Just believe it and you will see it!
“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” (Philippians 4:13 AMPC)
“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:57 AMPC)
Faith in God + Strength from God = Victory through God!
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (II Corinthians 5:7 NKJV)
#LeisaWilkins #EncouragementInTheWord
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated From the Vault of LWM)