Let go of doubt and unbelief because they will only rob you of receiving the fullness of what the Father has for you. The 11th chapter in the book of Hebrews is titled “The Triumphs of Faith” because it is by faith that we will inherit all that we need here on earth as well as receive our full reward in heaven is by faith. Faith is the very core of our belief. Imagine faith as a pathway or the key to the door. When you give your life to Jesus you put your faith and trust in Him. Faith is making an intentional choice with our lives, hearts, and minds to trust in the Lord. In the Scriptures, we see the powerful ways that one’s faith can release the supernatural change in the their life. The power of faith can be found in the story of the woman who had been sick for 12 years. She sought everything to cure herself and then she heard about Jesus. She thought to herself if she could just touch a tassel on His robe she would be healed. Jesus told her “your faith has made you well.” (Mark 5)
The power of faith that our friends have can change our circumstances as in the story of the paraplegic. His friends tried to reach Jesus and they didn’t let the obstacles in front of them hinder their mission. They knew that Jesus would heal him so they went through the roof and lowered him to Jesus. Their faith was so powerful and they had no doubt or unbelief that Jesus would heal their friend. Another great example of extraordinary faith is with the centurion. This man knew the power that Jesus carried and he knew that all Jesus had to do was say the word and his servant would be healed from afar (Matthew 8:5-13.) Talk about how faith WILL change your situation. It is so important to have like minded people around you!
Let's look in Mark 9 starting in verse 14 where the name of Jesus was spreading throughout the villages. The testimonies of the miracles, signs, and wonders of his ministry were being passed down from person to person. This story is about a father who was in a desperate situation with his son who was possessed by an evil spirit. This father must have felt that seeking Jesus was his last resort to save his child from this demonic possession. This father was desperately seeking a healing miracle for his son. He first went to Jesus’ disciples but they could not cast out the demon. As they brought the boy to Jesus, the father asked Jesus to help him with his unbelief. Once this father agreed with Jesus, by faith, then Jesus cast out the demon.
When we come to Jesus and confess the truth of our heart, Jesus responds in love with no shame or condemnation. Although this father's words may seemed contradictory, they are not. His words were mixed with faith and doubt but He chose to have faith in Jesus. He pushed past his fear and his doubt and entered into the realm of faith. The man understood that faith in Jesus is the only way. No one could do anything to help his son but God. The story ends, of course, in victory. The boy was set free and the father’s faith was increased to a whole new level! Glory to the Lord.
Praise the Lord for the power of the name of Jesus! There is nothing greater than our glorious Savior. He is matchless and there is none like Him. I pray you find comfort in this truth. Jesus is greater and bigger than any enemy or mountain you are facing. You are not alone. The Creator of heaven and earth stands with you. Hallelujah! Pause and take a moment to rejoice in this good news. Remember when doubt begins to creep in, Jesus reminds us to pull on our faith.
I can relate to this story and how doubt effects outcomes. I have been in desperate situations in my own life where I had a make a choice; I had to lean into my faith or succumb to doubt and fear. Do you allow impatience or seemingly unfathomable circumstances to distract you? Do you let your focus be on the wrong perspectives? Does your unbelief or doubt keep you from receiving the miracle, the healing, or the thing you have been praying for? Remember, we grow stronger in faith every day in our journey with the Lord. It is a lifelong process. Praise the Lord we have the precious Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
There is a powerful prayer model in Mark 9 that I want to share with you. The subtitle in Mark 9:14 – 29 is “All things Possible.” Do you really believe that ALL things are possible with the Lord? (Matthew 19:26) Do you believe that Philippians 4:13 is true when it says, “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose – I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]” In Mark 9:24 says, “Immediately the father of the boy cried out [with a desperate, piercing cry,], saying, “I do believe; help [me overcome] my unbelief.” Let's break this down so you can follow the steps and receive from the Lord. This will help you receive fresh faith to properly align yourself with the will of the Father so that you can receive all that He wants to pour out upon you in this season.
1. Admit your lack of belief
2. Admit your need for the Lord
3. Let go of control
4. Submit and surrender to the Lord.
5. Release whatever needs to release and receive the new measure of faith!
We eventually come to a place in our walk with the Lord where we have to make a decision with all of our heart and mind. We have to decide to believe in EVERY Word in His Word, no matter the circumstance or how we feel. We have to choose to stand in full faith. Examine your heart. Examine your actions and attitudes. Allow the Father to search you and reveal any offense, doubt r fear. Anything that will keep you from receiving what He has from you.
Philippians 1:6
I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return.]
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
I have been reflecting on these Scriptures for a few months now. Holding up the different promises that I have been believing God to fulfill in my own life. I have been gauging my own faith level and using those above scriptures as my lens. I have been asking the Lord to raise my own faith level and asking for fresh hope to be imparted to me. I've been asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any doubt or fear and praying the very prayer of the father who sought after Jesus for his son, saying "Lord, I believe in You. Help me with my unbelief!!" My prayer for you is that as you read these Scriptures the Truth of the Word will awaken new depths of faith, trust, and hope within you. That you would realize all this is because of Jesus and the power of the Cross. I want you to say out loud “Lord, I choose to trust You in every way and in everything. I place my trust in You Lord. For You are a good Father and everything that is from You is good. I believe that You will do everything You have spoken over in my life. Align me with You in every area of my life."
We must prepare ourselves to receive! It is biblical; position yourself before the Lord. Make time to get in His presence! Get in His Word, worship Him or simply just sit with Him and allow Him to speak to you. Be intentional with this and set-aside precious time with your heavenly Father. Let today be the day you start to schedule your “God time” and commit to the Lord and make space for Him every day. You may have heard of this saying before but I love it and it is worth repeating, “Faith is the currency of heaven."
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.
Let's pray:
Father, let hope, trust, and faith arise in Your people. May we be reminded of our position as a son or daughter of the Most High. Lord, release a sound mind among the Body. I declare thoughts of peace over every person who reads this. I declare fresh joy and excitement as each person steps into what You have for them. Remove all pitfalls of the enemy. Remove distraction. Remove self-doubt. Release courage and confidence. Thank You for the boldness that is being released in this hour for the Body. Thank You Jesus for Your constant love and support. Thank You Holy Spirit for Your constant sweet presence in our lives. Thank You Father for Your perfect will and plan for us all.
In Jesus' mighty name, amen.
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