WILL HE FIND FAITH?
18th Jan 2017
If faith is the necessary ingredient to see signs, wonders and miracles, then surely it must be something we pursue, develop and search after. Like seeking treasure we sell all that we have to find the “pearl of great price”.
I am reading about the faith of Abraham who believed God’s promises; and in the gospels about Jesus touching the sick, opening blind eyes and deaf ears. The exclamation and response of the people to Jesus in Matthew 9:7 was, “The crowd was awestruck, amazed and pleased that God had authorised Jesus to work among them this way.”
Faith is intricately joined to our knowledge and trust in God. Faith comes from believing His promises; knowing His character; hearing and obeying His voice. There are times when we find ourselves in an atmosphere of faith where it seems easy to believe, when we have a deep conviction and knowing that the answer will be complete healing or deliverance.
Read Matthew 9 where Jesus sees a paraplegic man who cannot walk, carried by friends who ‘believe’ Jesus can heal him. Jesus sees beyond the physical to the paralysing guilt and sin the man is bound by, and using His God given authority He releases the man both physically and spiritually - you have authority to do the same!
What would you do if someone said to you, “My daughter is dead, but if you lay your hands on her she will live!” ? You and I have the resurrected Jesus living within us, and He has authorised us to use His Name and authority to do the same things He did whilst ministering on earth.
There is need all around us, our health services are at breaking point, mental and emotional issues dominate our news. We know the “Prince of peace”, His compassion and mercy, as well as His ability to bring deliverance. Are we bringing Jesus and His resources into situations of need? Where is your faith level? Do you want it to grow? I do, and I am deeply challenged to exercise faith, to walk before God in ways that He has asked of me, to be obedient to His word, and to let His Holy Spirit fill me again and again.
This week, this day, this year I want to see more, and if faith is the ‘key’, then Lord, “Increase our faith!”
by Joyce Sibthorpe
