196 - Praise God for Faith

Abounding Love Podcast with Former ”Tex” Watson

We all go through trials and tribulations; even pastors and Bible teachers. We have problems, cares and anxieties; even those who are strong in the faith. We believe more money will solve the problem, or a better relationship with those we care about. But what we really need is to believe God and to act in faith. Faith is acting upon what we believe. We think if we call someone, the right someone, our problem will be solved. But the one whom will always answer when we call is the Lord, God. This takes faith -- child-like faith. Jesus said, ". . . Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4, NKJV). A child-like faith is one that believes all things are possible. We must believe in the promises of God as stated in His Word. Salvation, prosperity, healing and the gifts of the Spirit all rely upon faith to happen and the faith needed is also a gift of God. "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith" (Romans 12:3, NKJV). Instead of thinking of ourselves based upon our worldly accomplishments or position, we need to think of ourselves as who we are in Christ. All the things of this world, especially our wrongdoings and sins have been placed under the blood of Jesus Christ. We are new creations. The Lord sees us as forgiven, righteous and clean. We need to believe His Word and think the same. The "portion of faith" the Lord provides only works when it is acted upon. Faith is acting upon God's Word. If we focus on the problems, cares, trials and anxieties, we will not be thinking about the promises of God, but about the lies of Satan. We have to think "soberly" and praise God for the faith He provides. For example in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 16, verse 14: "The Lord opened her [Lydia's] heart to heed the things spoken by Paul." In the same chapter, Paul and Silas were freed from prison when their praise caused an earthquake and the jailor and his family to believe and be saved. Join me in this episode as we learn to praise God for faith by acting upon what you believe. Selah! Let me hear from you - Charles https://www.aboundinglove.org/ Subscribe and share with someone you love.