TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT GOD HAS SAID (PART 2)
TEXT
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews chapter 13 verse 5, King James Version)
Welcome to the second part in the series. To many of us, our problem is not that of knowing what God has said, but it's what to do with what "He hath said". To me, I think that it's better for one to do by nature what "He hath said", with no knowledge of it than knowing what "He hath said" and not doing it (see Romans chapter 2 verses 13 and 14).
Now, the question is, what do you do with what God has said about your situation? It's very important that we know what to do with God's Word about our life's circumstances because it will determine what happens to us in the face of what we go through in life. This is where so many people miss it in life and they lay blame on God for their woes. The Scriptures have unequivocally charged us to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (see Philippians chapter 2 verse 12). Similarly, Jude chapter 1 verse 3 exhort that "you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." It's also called the "good fight of faith", without which you may not see God's Word come to pass in your life. (see 1st Timothy chapter 6 verse 12).
There are basically two things to do in order to see what "He hath said" fulfilled in your life. The first thing you do is to believe what is said. The second is to confess what you believe. It's pertinent to know that the Gospel doesn't save unconditionally. Belief is a condition! Apostle Paul said in Romans chapter 1 verse 16 that he's "not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;" According to this Scripture, there's the power of God to deliver what "He hath said" "to every one that believeth".
For what "He hath said" to come to pass or to be beneficial to us, it's imperative that we believe it.
One good thing is that everyone has the capacity to believe in God. In other words, God our Creator has given us the ability to believe Him. At creation, He gave us the heart (the spirit) with which to believe Him. Contrary to what some affirm, man believes with his heart and not with his head or mind. The Bible says that "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;" (Romans chapter 10 verse 10). Truth is, to believe with your head or mind will not get the job done. A man may have the head knowledge of God and still not know Him. For instance, Nicodemus' relationship with God was purely academic. As a ruler in Israel, he knew a lot about God, but he didn't have a personal knowledge or intimate relationship with Him. This was the problem with him. A man can quote Scriptures and not experience the power thereof! But Scriptures that are churned from the heart (the spirit) are potent and very much accomplishing.
Jesus was emphatic about the need for us to believe Him. In John chapter 11 verse 40, He spoke to Martha the sister of Lazarus saying,
"Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" In other words, you cannot have what God has said come to pass in your situation unless and until you believe it.
In our next series, as the Lord tarries, we shall consider what it means to believe what "He hath said".
PRAYER:
Father, I believe Your Word as it relates to my situation. I'm full of hope and expectation that I am testifying very soon, in Jesus name.