God Is My Refuge ( by Fenny West)
Tag Archives: deliverance
I Am for Signs, Wonders and Seasons ( by Fenny West)
I Am For Signs, Wonders and Seasons
I am for signs and wonders (Isa8:18) because the Father dwells in me by the Holy Spirit. I have received power, ability, enablement through the Holy Spirit. Acts1:8
I am for seasons of healing and health
I go about doing good like my Saviour, healing all those that are oppressed of the devil because God is with me, for me and in me. Sickness and disease do not stand a chance when I enter anyplace. They cower and check out at my word. As I lay hands on the sick, they recover and are made whole. Foul, demonic spirits flee because they cannot stand the anointing that destroys yokes and lifts burdens. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and He has anointed me to heal the sick and deliver the captives.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons. Wherever I go, the power of God is present to heal and people freely and easily receive their healing. and the Holy Spirit in me does not just heal the sick and deliver captives, He also does the Supernatural. Signs and wonders follow me as God confirms my preaching of the Word with signs following. The miraculous occur and are commonplace: blind eyes are opened, barren wombs are opened, marriages are restored, terminal diseases like cancer diabetes, leukaemia, bulimia and anorexia and glaucoma are arrested and terminated. Mental illnesses are cured by the power of the Holy Spirit. The deaf hears and the dumb speak, by the power of the Holy Ghost. No condition is able to withstand the Word of His power. As I decree and command and declare, it comes into being and God is glorified.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons. I bring seasons of light to brighten, illuminate, beautify and give warmth of relationship which is rich and empowering everyone I come in contact with. They are at liberty to open up and let the Light in me to penetrate to dispel every darkness and there is a mutual fellowship that breeds trust and confidence and communion and love and unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. So, one is able to put a thousand to flight and two are able to put ten thousand to flight. We become like Gideon’s army as God uses us mightily to bless each other and we all become vessels of honour for signs and wonders and seasons. The anointing rubs off and is multiplied in us and we all go about doing good, healing all those oppressed of the devil because God is with us. We are unstoppable, Unconquerable, unlimited and indefatigable. We always win because we keep rank, knowing we belong to each other and need each other as the Body of Christ.
I am for sign and wonders and seasons. I carry super-abundant grace to wherever I show up. His grace is sufficient for me in whatever I am given to do. Once I say, ‘Yes’, the ability to do it comes effortlessly. And I finish what I begin and I do it excellently, like Daniel and Joseph and David and Paul of old. I am diligent, efficient and proficient and stand amongst Kings and not mere men. I am headhunted in my career. I am head and shoulders above my peers.
I am born for signs, wonders and seasons.
I carry seasons of joy unspeakable and full of glory. Uncommon Joy manifests wherever I go and it spreads to all around and they catch its fire and become inundated with joy – the joy of the Lord and it becomes their strength in all they do. And they go about spreading joy in their world.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons. Whenever I go I bring divine elixir; there are creativity and innovation. New ideas flourish and solutions are found to problems, questions are answered, riddles are dissolved. The creative genius and creative juice all around is pumped up and flows unabated. We get things done quickly and easily. No one is in need. Everyone is supplied. We share our resources and God multiplies them and we become magnetic, attracting others who also have the same mindset.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons and I bring seasons of Productivity and Prosperity. Wherever I go I spread the aroma of productivity and progress and multiplicity. There are Luxuriant growth and development in all areas and not just lop-sided growth. There are proficiency, efficiency and excellence; we know how to package new ideas and products and make money for the extension of the Kingdom, the enhancement of our community and households. We are headhunted in our Career as we give value and add value to our employer. We are also employers in our community and spread the fragrance of the glory of God in all we do.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons. Wherever I go, I spread the good news of the gospel and people are saved and planted in the house of God and flourish in His courts. They bring forth the fruit of the Spirit and remain fresh and green. They are trees of righteousness and in turn, spread the Good news also such that each tree becomes a forest and God’s house is full to overflowing and He is glorified. We see ourselves as co-labourers with God and as we open our mouths, He fills them and draws men to Himself. The love of God shed abroad in our hearts compels us to reach others, knowing and convinced that we are saved to save others. As we yield to God, His Spirit does the work in our lives.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons.
I bring seasons of Peace, Shalom, Shalom, perfect peace; peace that surpasses knowledge, peace profound, peace from the Prince of peace, because my mind is stayed on Him. I have a perfect rest. Nothing moves me. I know everything works for my good. I know that God is in control of all my affairs. He makes a banquet for me right in the presence of my enemies. The Lord is My light and my salvation and I fear no evil. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. My presence is always a game-changer because of His presence in me and that makes the difference. As He is, so am I in this world. I share the same life that He has. His life – Zoe-the God kind of life oozes through my veins and I have His DNA. I am not ordinary. I am extraordinary, peculiar, divine, a partaker of the divine nature. I am an associate of the God-kind. I decree and it stands, command and it comes into being. Angelic hosts are on assignment for me. As I speak the Word, they are galvanised into action on my behalf.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons.
Whatever I touch is imparted life – long life, longevity. It keeps growing, expanding, dominating, being replenished, from generation to generation because I do or get involved in what I see Him do. I belong to Him-spirit, soul and body. I am an imitator of God. I am His hands and feet and voice in my world.
I am for signs and wonders and seasons. Hallelujah!
Out of Satan’s Jurisdiction ( by Fenny West)
Out of Satan’s Jurisdiction
Out of Satan’s Jurisdiction
Into the Kingdom of Light
Out of Satan’s domination
Into submission to the Light of lights.
Out of the Kingdom of darkness
Into the Kingdom of the Most High
Out of the domain of serfdom
Into the Garden of God, Rock Higher than I.
Out of clutches of sickness and diseases
Into the Kingdom of healing and health
Out of the manacles of principalities
Into the arms of the owner of all wealth.
OUT of the Citadel of sin-sin-City
Into God’s paradise – heavenly Jerusalem
Out of the city of death and damnation
Into God’s green pastures and Holy Nation.
Out of the Valley of the shadow of death
Into the Highway of Holiness – godliness
Out of the prison of sin, lack, dearth
Into the province of peace, Prosperity, purity.
OUT of the arena of rut and stagnation
Into the place of plenty, my wealthy place
Out of the precinct and precipice of penury
Into the glorious Garden of God’s grace.
Colossians 1:12
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”
Colossians 1:13
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
1 Peter 2:9
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”
Deliverance- a Done Deal ( by Fenny West)
Deliverance-a Done Deal
Christ paid the price and delivered all of us from the clutches and manacles of Satan and his cohorts.
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love ,
Col1:13
15 Having disarmed principalities and powers , He made a public spectacle of them , triumphing over them in it.
Col2:15
Whom the Son set free is free indeed.
He did it once and for all.
Unlike the old testament priest who has to offer annual sacrifices for the people, Jesus did it once and for all and for all time.
He did it for all- believers and none believers. The day you believed was the day you discovered and applied the cure of sin to your life.
So in God’s mind we have been reconciled to Him
and delivered from the power of darkness. Therefore whatever effect Satan has over anyone would arise either from ignorance or stubbornness of applying the medicine of salvation to themselves.
It is important that this deliverance is of no effect if one ignores it or refuses to accept what Jesus has already done. Such person can be suppressed, possessed or demonized because they have by default given the enemy power over them despite what Christ has done.
A New man, New species came into being when a person accepts Jesus as Lord. This man has the nature of God. He is a God-kind.
His Soul, made up of his mind, intellect, will and emotions however needs renewal, purging and extrication from the worldly mind-set.
This takes a process and requires studying the Word line by line-meditating on it day and night and not only saying it but practicing it. This not an automatic process. And so in this sense even the man who has been born again can be hindered and limited in direct proportion to how he is surrendered to the word of God.
2 And do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind , that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Ro12:2
The Romans Paul was writing to were believers and so were the Ephesians.
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind , Eph4:23
The Corinthians were acting like babes because of their unrenewed mind.
3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy , strife , and divisions among you , are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
1Cor.3:3
Jesus Himself said ”
32 And you shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free.” John8:32
It is the truth that you know that makes you free. And your true knowledge of the truth is demonstrated by the extent to which we walk and work what we know. This is beyond ‘head knowledge’ but a ‘heart-knowledge.’
We have an enemy who has come to kill, steal and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life in its fullness.
John10:10
God’s people are destroyed when they lack true knowledge-heart-knowledge, where work and walk the word , beyond their feelings, emotions what people say or what the Fleshly nature or emotion or the world or Satan and his cohorts say or present subtlety says.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge , I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God , I also will forget your children.
Hosea 4:6
Jesus said, ‘My sheep hear my voice.’ He also said, ‘If you love me keep my commandments.’
If you do not do the word, you will be like a man who looks at the mirror and immediately forgets what he saw.
The god of this age is busy in his mission of holding people in bondage and slavery.
Yes, they have been set free but they are still held down because of ignorance. It is like those who remained slaves even after the abolition of slavery because they were unaware of the ‘done deal’.
4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded , who do not believe , lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ , who is the image of God , should shine on them.
1Cor4:4
So is deliverance a done deal?
Deliverance of the spirit is a done deal for all who accept it and apply it to themselves.
Soap is useless it is used.
In regard to the mind, even those whose spirits have been delivered still need to renew their mind by the Word of life, the truth, the light. And this is life-long, never automatic and we go from glory to glory in this respect. It possible to have our mind renewed in one area of life whilst been babes in other areas. But God’s mind is for us is to grow up and be mature in all areas.
2Pet3:18
1Pet2:2
There is no doubt that God has given us all that pertain to life and godliness but this is through the knowledge of Him.
3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness , through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue ,
2Pet.1:3
We can do all things through Christ who strengths us.Phil4:13
He is working in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure.
God has certainly done His part by sending Jesus to come and die and deliver us but the extent to which we benefit from it depends on our knowledge of Him and the extent to which we apply that knowledge in all the areas of our lives. And remember that in all these areas we can go from glory to glory. That is why we need to add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2Pet1:5-8)
Delivered from the Domain of Darkness ( by Fenny West)
Delivered from the Domain of Darkness
Delivered from the Domain of Darkness
Transferred into the place of God’s brightness
Severed from the shackles of the devil.
Sealed and engraved on the palm of the Most High.
Arrayed in glory and God’s righteousness;
Bestowed and festooned with lovingkindness.
Basking in the presence of God’s goodness.
Surrounded by peace that is boundless.
Increasing daily from glory to glory;
Grateful for New Creation and changed story.
Pressing on for the mark of prize of the high-calling.
Pulling down strongholds,
treading down serpents and scorpions.
Taking territories, taking dominion.
Taking authority bequeathed to those in Zion.
Reigning in this life by the power of the Spirit.
Establishing and spreading the aroma of His Kingdom.
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Col1:13-14
God of Mercy ( by Fenny West)
The God of Mercy
https://inspiration4generations.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/the-god-of-mercy-by-fenny-west-sermon-song/
The God of mercy
Will have mercy
The God of mercy
Will bring victory
The God of mercy
Will bring prosperity
The God of mercy
Will banish penury
The God of mercy
Will bring breakthrough
Because He is faithful and true
The God of mercy
Will me to my land of opportunity
The God of mercy
Is the Master of the Sea
The God of Mercy
Is the God of Grace
And will did my out of the belly of hell
With His shovel of grace.
21 This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope.
22 Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
24 ” The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, ” Therefore I hope in Him!”Lam3:21-24
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
Ps23:4-6
Psalms 103: Praise for the LORD’s MerciesA Psalm of David.
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.Ps103:
Psalms 107: Book Five: Psalms 107 — 150Thanksgiving to the LORD for His Great Works of Deliverance
1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
3 And gathered out of the lands, From the east and from the west, From the north and from the south.
©Fenny West 2014
Inspiration4generations.com
2 And he said: ” I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, And He answered me. ” Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, And You heard my voice.
3 For You cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the floods surrounded me; All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight; Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’
Jonah2:2-4
7 ” When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; And my prayer went up to You, Into Your holy temple.
8 ” Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy.
9 But I will sacrifice to You With the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.”
10 So the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.
The God of Mercy ( by Fenny West) sermon &Song
The mercy of God is inexhaustible, unfathomable, inestimable.
“God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the se of its water, or deprive the sun of its light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the GREAT MERCY OF GOD” C.H. Spurgeon
The God of mercy
Will have mercy
The God of mercy
Will bring victory
The God of mercy
Will bring prosperity
The God of mercy
Will banish penury
The God of mercy
Will bring breakthrough
Because He is faithful and true
The God of mercy
Will me to my land of opportunity
The God of mercy
Is the Master of the Sea
The God of Mercy
Is the God of Grace
And will did my out of the belly of hell
With His shovel of grace.
©Fenny West 2014
Jonah was in the belly of hell and cried out to God and prophesied his victory before he saw it. David also prophesied his victory many times in the scriptures and saw the day Ps16:10-11 Ps22, . Job also prophesied his victory and saw it. Job14:14, Job42:10-12
Jonah also did and saw his deliverance because of the great inexhaustible, mercy of God. Jonah2:2-,8-9
So call on God in the belly of hell and He will hear you and dig you out with His shovel of grace.
Inspiration4generations.com
Mighty Manifestations Will Come ( by Fenny West)
Mighty Manifestations will come
When God’s Kingdom comes;
When He is allowed to reign;
When He is allowed to rule;
When we acknowledge His sovereignty;
When we acknowledge His majesty;
When we are as bold as the lion.
Mighty manifestations will come
When we stand as City on a Hill;
When we shine as light in the dark;
When we regain our flavour as salt;
When we are concerned and fast and pray;
When we trade apathy for empathy;
When we know Whose we are
and who we are in Christ.
Mighty manifestation will come
When we do not treat sin lightly ;
When we have a short account with God;
And like David, will repent quickly;
When we return to our first love- God- not the world;
When we are prepared to spend for God;
When we are prepared to be spent for God.
Mighty manifestation will come
When we are burdened for our,
family, Church, nation and world;
Like Nehemiah was burdened;
Like Gideon was greatly disturbed;
Like Mordecai and Esther were jolted;
Like Moses knew why he was born;
Like Joseph knew why he was sold.
Mighty manifestation will come
When we know we have not arrived;
When we yearn for more of God;
When we refuse to compromise the word;
When we are bold to lift Jesus up;
When we humble ourselves before God;
When we let God be God in all areas.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now
Rom8:19
14 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Col3:15
15 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.1John3:8
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Acts1:8
Matthew 10: The Twelve Apostles
1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:1917 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs Amen
Mrk16:17-18
.
…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1John4:4b.
4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.1John5:4
Healing Haven ( by Fenny West) sermon
Healing Haven
Healing Haven, Healing Stream
![cg65ih1[1]](https://inspiration4generations.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/cg65ih11.png)
River of health from the Throne of Grace,
Birthing His will, healing by His word
His Word that is spirit and is life,
Heralding and reining in health;
Flushing out all sickness and disease.
It is life-giving and life-changing
Life- restoring, rejuvenating,
Invigorating, illuminating,
Hope-rekindling, very dynamic,
Giving glory and honour to God.
Healing Stream, demonstrating His love
Razor-sharp, piercing and recharging,
Confirming the New Covenant
Revealing the better promises
Penetrating and transforming,
Medicine to body, soul and spirit;
Medication from meditation
Confirming that our God does not change
Affirming that Jesus remains the same,
Yesterday, today and forever. Amen.
I shall dwell on the powerful, dynamic, living, razor-sharp word of God. Nothing and no one is impervious from God’s word.
Jesus said ‘The Words that I have spoken to you they are and spirit and life.’ His word is medicine to one’s whole body.Pov4:22
Healing is the bread of the Children of God. God is not against circular medicine but we need to depend more on the word of God than any other methods. We would be short-hanging ourselves if we abandon our covenant of healing and go beggarly and poorly.
Being built up in faith to be able to depend on the word of God does not come overnight. We need to trust Him to heal us of colds and headaches before we can believe Him for life threatening situations. Faith comes by haring and hearing by the word of God. As we keep internalising the word of God and exposing ourselves to the healing scriptures we will be energised and revived to receive our healing.
We also need to know the different methods we can receive our healing and not put God in a box. Ours is to pray and His is to heal us the way He desires. Healing can be immediate or through gradual recovering. We must be prepared for this. Healing can also come through obeying some seemingly instructions from the Spirit of God. We must ready for this. Also certain problems may require prayer and fasting. (Matt.17:21)
The Spirit of the Lord ( song)
Faith Fuel
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..Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go… Matthew 14:22 |
When you find yourself in trouble, do you sometimes think, ‘I must have done something wrong, perhaps I’ve missed God’s will and He’s punishing me’? No. Trouble is multi-sourced, and frequently unrelated to our wrongdoing or God’s punishment. The disciples weren’t in the storm by disobeying, but by obeying Jesus; not by rejecting God’s will, but by embracing it. The Bible says, ‘…Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go…’, and they obeyed. At times you’ll find yourself in troubled waters because you did what was right rather than what was popular, easy or selfish. When that happens, here are some helpful lessons from the disciples’ experience: 1) Obedience doesn’t guarantee there will be no storms. The disciples had just seen Jesus feed five thousand people with five bread rolls and two fish, and end up with more food than He started with. Shouldn’t their faith have been strengthened? Yet they forgot it completely when fear came knocking. Jesus had told them He’d meet them on the other shore, yet they forgot His miracle-working power and His promise and gave in to anxiety. Understand this: When God doesn’t solve your problem, He will show up in the middle of it and cause you to come out with your faith fortified. 2) Fear doesn’t mean you’re a failure. It’s just a reminder that you’re human, and, like the disciples, you’ve forgotten Who has the power and Who’s in charge. And these are lessons that transform your trial into triumph. |
WALKING ON WATER (2)Bob Gas( Word For Today) |
The boat was…buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Matthew 14:24 |
Notice: 1) Trouble doesn’t mean that God has abandoned you. The disciples learned that Jesus may be out of sight, but He’s never out of touch. To ‘…walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7 NKJV) means sometimes you’ll walk in darkness without visible cues. Someone put it this way: ‘When you can’t trace His hand, you can trust His heart.’ When the disciples were being tossed like a cork on the waves, Jesus was up on a mountain praying for them! He was aware of the problem and He was working on the solution. He was their mediator and their ‘need meet-er’, just as He has one hand on your need and the other on your answer. ‘…He always lives to intercede for [you]’ (Hebrews 7:25 NIV). Can you imagine Jesus praying to the Father for His fear-filled disciples? And can you imagine the Father refusing to answer His prayers? Never! ‘…The Spirit himself intercedes for us…’ (Romans 8:26 NIV). With both Jesus and the Holy Spirit talking to the Father on your behalf, your victory is guaranteed. 2) Between the command to ‘Go’ and your safe arrival on the other side, there’s often a crisis. Jesus commanded them to cross to the other shore, but before the trip was completed their world experienced upheaval. What’s buffeting your life today-loss, guilt, loneliness, financial reversal, illness, addiction, rejection? When our faith is low and our fear high, we cry, ‘If only I had (or hadn’t)…If only I could…’ Learn to trust God. It’s not over until He says so. And He hasn’t! |
WALKING ON WATER (3)Bob Gas( Word For Today) |
God is…a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 |
Let’s observe two final things: 1) Between the dread and the devastation, look for the Deliverer. Picture a boat lashed by huge waves, and frightened disciples who thought they were going under. They forgot the promise: ‘God is…a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…’ (1-2 NKJV). They didn’t look for Jesus to rescue them. Yet as the night advanced and things looked hopeless, ‘…Jesus went to them, walking on the sea’ (Matthew 14:25 NKJV). Did they rejoice? No, their fear intensified and they said, ‘…It’s a ghost!...’ (14:26 NKJV). Look out! Your fear can distort your perceptions and make you see the answer as just another problem. Often what appears a threat is actually a blessing about to manifest itself. For example, you lose your job and God opens up a better one, but your fear and inadequacy make you avoid the interview. Look to Jesus in your time of fear; when He takes away the lesser it’s always to give you the greater. 2) God’s best always requires facing what you fear. Jesus called Peter to come to Him. Deciding it was safer in the storm with Jesus than in the boat without Him, Peter walked toward Him. But there’s always a moment after you step out in faith when you hear, ‘What if I’m not up to this?’ Peter heard it, and the waves began to engulf him. Panicked, he called and Jesus immediately rescued him. Peter wasn’t drowning; he was learning and growing! When you walk by faith, even your failures will lead to success. So step out with Jesus; He won’t let you drown. |
LEARNING TO WALK BY FAITH (3) |
‘Faith comes from hearing the message…through the word…’ Romans 10:17 |
What does it mean to ‘walk by faith…’ (2 Corinthians 5:7 NAS)? It’s radically different from walking by sight, reason, emotion or intellect. It calls you to live above these things. It enables you to enter the realm of supernatural possibilities because Jesus said, ‘All things are possible to one who believes’ (Mark 9:23 ESV). Here are some scriptural principles about faith that will help you: 1) It is not rooted in human effort. Self-confidence and intellectual acumen don’t qualify. Optimism, good luck and social connections don’t qualify. Learning religious formulas won’t do it either. 2) It’s rooted in God’s unlimited power and unchanging Word. ‘Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word.’ The Word of God, received and residing within you, continuously produces faith within you. No teeth-gritting super-effort is required; you simply decide to believe what God says and respond to it. 3) Walking by faith calls for action. ‘Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds’ (James 2:18 NIV). Until you act, your faith is useless. ‘In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’ (v. 17 NIV). The moment you act your faith springs to life, inviting God to move on your behalf. Today He’s waiting for you to act so that He can respond to you. Even if you don’t feel like it, ask yourself, ‘What would my first step of faith be if I really felt like taking action?’ Do it! You’ll be walking by faith and reaping the rewards! (Hebrews 11:6). |
LEARNING TO WALK BY FAITH (2) |
‘…I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’ Mark 9:24 |
Here is another question to consider: What is ‘walking by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7)? It’s living your life based on how things look to the natural eye. It’s deciding and acting in accord with your perceptions and circumstances, rather than God’s Word. It’s being dictated to by your feelings and thoughts. Your thoughts and feelings are-yours! Examine them. Don’t let them hijack you. Use your spirit-controlled temperament to bring them under control. Too often we are sandwiched between faith and doubt, in a ‘catch-22’ between what our transformed spirit says and what our carnal mind says. One day a distraught father brought his son to Jesus for healing. Jesus told him, ‘…Everything is possible for one who believes’ (Mark 9:23 NIV). At that point the boy’s father said, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’ At times we experience both faith and doubt. This man was honest about his doubts, yet Jesus still worked a miracle for him. If he had needed correcting, Jesus would have corrected him. If his faith was not genuine, the Lord would have known it. But Jesus accepted his declaration of faith, despite his doubts. There are three lessons here for us: 1) Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your doubts. 2) Don’t let your doubts overrule your faith. God’s Word in the matter is God’s will for you; stand on it. 3) Hand your doubts over to the Lord and say, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’ How long does it take to learn to walk by faith? A lifetime! |
Walking by Faith
LEARNING TO WALK BY FAITH (1) |
‘For we walk by faith, not by sight.’ 2 Corinthians 5:7 |
It’s time to ‘get with it’, when God tells you the same thing three separate times: ‘The just shall live by faith’ (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11). This is not a suggestion for theological debate; it’s His will for your life. Clearly, God has made faith the only way to live! No alternative is offered. ‘Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him’ (Hebrews 11:6 NIV). Let’s take a moment and consider some questions arising from this life-transforming truth: 1) Who are ‘the just’? Paul writes, ‘Know that a person is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith…’ (Galatians 2:16 NIV). Justification (just-as-if-I’d-never-sinned) can’t be earned, it’s a free gift that comes by faith. If you have placed your trust in Christ then you are fully accepted in God’s eyes. How good is that? 2) What is ‘walking’? Paul says, ‘We walk by faith and not by sight.’ Walking requires that you get up and start moving. You can’t just sit around aimlessly, waiting for the rapture. Walking involves: Motivation-you’re moved by a purpose. Direction-you’ve chosen a destination, a goal to reach. Motion-you’re committed to mobilising your energy and resources in the pursuit of your God-given destination and purpose. To walk by faith you must be engaged in consistent, forward movement intended to bring you into God’s destiny for your life. |
