I have to confess that I have been a Christian for 29 years ... have loved the Bible, even attended Bible School for 2 years studying and seeing it come alive, but never given it the priority as I have over this last year, especially this last month. Have I read it, loved it, been encouraged by it and even preached from it ... yes! ... but never have I clung to it as a lifeline as I have over this last month. Before the 'paw paw hit the fan" (so to speak - hee hee) 3 weeks ago, I felt so compelled by the revelation that Jesus is the very Word of God (John 1:1) sitting across from me, teaching me of His very heart and desires each time I pick it up. Oh my goodness! It has totally changed my view of loving the Word of God. I see it so clearly as God speaking to me. It is because of this that Brett, Tianna, Angelee and I are held in His Supernatural peace. That "peace that surpasses all understanding" spoken of in Philippians 4:7 has literally in every way "mounted guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". (Amplified Bible). We are so fully persuaded of the promises He has given us to hold to, that even the children, at such a potentially stressful time are so peaceful and settled. This can only be Jesus and the peace that He Himself gives to all who believe.
This is the amazing part of knowing Christ. No matter what we go through, HE HAS A PROMISE OF LIFE AND HOPE FOR US TO CLING TO IN HIS WORD. Jesus never said we would not have tough times, but He does say over and over again that He will deliver us out of them all if we call upon Him. We don't just have to settle for the hardship we find ourselves in. Jesus has the solution to anything we will ever face. I believe that with all my heart. He has not given us a full inheritance and covenant that lacks in any way. He is the God who said it is His desire that we not only have life, but that we have ABUNDANT life. (John 10:10) The Amplified Bible says it this way "The thief (satan) comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
As I was about to go to sleep the other night, I heard His gentle whisper to my heart "My Word is the window to my heart". Jesus sees so clearly what we face day by day. He sees each one of the "complexities" that we see. He stands in the middle of it all and for those who will come to His Word for answers ... He will reveal His heart and will of how to stand and what we can believe. He has made His will so very clear to us on how to stand in our situation.
I think that often times the hardest part of our faith walk is in the waiting ... that time frame in between asking and seeing the evidence of your prayer answered. The Lord has personally led me to the place of " ... they shall not be put to shame who WAIT FOR, LOOK FOR, HOPE FOR, AND EXPECT ME." (Isaiah 49:23). Is it an easy place to wait ... no. But it becomes so much easier that while you wait, IN FAITH, you are waiting with all your expectation being in God and the truth of His promises. Every time doubt rises in my mind, even in the smallest ways I am reminded that God cannot lie and that every one of His promises are YES and AMEN. Let's look at that in 2 Corinthians 1:20 "For ALL the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." All of a sudden when we get a heart understanding of this, our waiting is not done in fear or anxiety or with uncertainty. Our waiting is done in confident trust, with sure hope that He is able. He is the One who watches over His Word to bring it to pass. Every one of those promises He has given to you ... are YES and AMEN when you are looking to Him in expectation and in faith.
I have learned that faith is not just hope alone or merely asking and then hoping that He will answer. Faith is being fully convinced of God's will and character and KNOWING that He is always true to His Word.
I know my recent posts are all about faith ... but these last 3 weeks have taught me what Jesus said in Mark 11:22-24 "And Jesus, replying, said to them, 'Have faith in God (constantly). Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will get it."
What I understand in those verses is that Jesus is teaching us to seek out His will and when we have found it regarding our circumstances, to ask with confidence in faith and we will see those mountains moved.
I know there are so many questions about faith. I do not have all the answers, but Jesus does. All I want to encourage you with today is what He has been revealing to me, that it is His desire to show you how to stand in whatever situation you find yourself in. He is the God of all hope. Take your questions to Him today. Look into His Word. He has comfort, encouragement and so much wisdom to share with you! (James 1:5)
All my love xxx
Janine
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I love you my precious sister!!
xx