By Pastor Rachael Saibu,
Co-Founder/ Senior Pastor at TCOLG
What is faith? According to the Bible, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrew 11:1). We have not seen it but yet we believe. But how do you believe what you do not see? That is the problem that is confronting majority of people that don’t believe or trust in God; especially when God says that He will do something impossible for them. We question it. We ask ourselves, how can that be? Then we begin to doubt the word of God. It also becomes even harder to believe when we feel the promise of God is delayed. Sometimes we begin to question ourselves that maybe we did not hear correctly from God, or maybe what we heard from God is not actually for us but for someone else. But listen! the word of God is teaching us to believe that even without seeing, no matter how long it takes, what God says He will do, will infact surely come to pass.
In our relationship with our Heavenly Father, we must trust in Him completely. We must know that He is more than able to bring to pass what He has promised no matter how late it may seem. When we trust God with our lives completely, He will meet our daily needs despite whatever it may be. Certainly, it is easy to trust God when things are going well and more difficult to trust in Him during the hard times. But it is during the challenging times, He will make himself known to us and help us. Challenges should give us more faith to trust in God. If He is capable to create us and bring us into this world, He will surely take good care of us. We need to hold onto God like Jacob did and said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26 - 28 KJV). We too must tell God, I will not let you go unless you change my life for good and bring solution to my problem. The bible says, "pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Jacob was persistent in his request for God to bless him. The faith of Jacob in holding unto God changed his name and circumstances forever. Jacob went from being a "supplanter/deceiver" to "Israel-Prince of God.” He became a man that no one can prevail against. I don’t know what you are going through or facing at this time but even as you are reading this, I know God is more than able to turn things around for you and meet your needs.
Every child of God at some point in their lives will be tested and their test will be different from someone else's test. It depends on what God wants to do in your life. God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his beloved only son, Isaac as a burnt offering to Him (Genesis 22:1-2). Abraham at that time did not know it was a test. This was the son he waited so long for and received in his old age of 99 years old. Why would God want that same boy that he gave him to now be used as a burnt offering to Him? You and I may have a lot of questions for God but not Abraham. The Bible says, Abraham rose early in the morning and went to the place which God had told him with the mind to sacrifice Isaac as God had commanded him (Genesis 22:3 NKJV). Abraham acted in faith to obey God without any question. At the last minute when he was about to sacrifice his son, God provided a ram for sacrifice instead and the child was saved. From the moment God spoke to Abraham about sacrificing Isaac, He was watching him, to see if he was going to disobey, grumble or curse Him in his heart. But Abraham did not. God rewarded Abraham’s faithfulness with everlasting blessings Genesis 22:16-18 KJV. God will always reward our faithfulness and obedience to Him. We just need to have faith in Him.
Abraham knew God as, "Jehovah Jireh" meaning the Lord will provide. God also showed Abraham his faithfulness as being a provider when He provided a ram for sacrifice instead of Isaac. God is still faithful to provide whatever you need, trust in Him. God wants to bless you more abundantly so you can be a blessing to others. But who is God to you at this point of your life? Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior through His son Jesus Christ? Are you ready to walk with God as Abraham did? Do you trust in Him as much as Abraham did? Abraham knew and trusted that God can make the impossible possible. The bible says, “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible” (Hebrews 11:3 CSB). God CAN make the impossible possible in your life right now, you just need to have faith and trust in Him. Trust in the Lord truthfully from your heart at this time so that you too can experience the miracles of God in whatever areas of your life that you are having challenges. Don't be discouraged by family, friends, coworkers, doctors etc, they did not create you and do not know the plan of God for you. Instead turn to your creator and cast your burdens onto him, because he cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. He loves you so much more than anyone you know or will ever know. Pour your heart out to him. He will surely answer you and you will be blessed.
But first you must have faith in God. Start exercising your faith by listening, obeying and trusting in Him. Seek God and let him show you that He will be faithful in your life. The Bible says “And 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). God desires to hear from you, and you can talk to him anytime and anywhere. Even as you are laying in bed, you can talk to him; even in your mind without opening your mouth. He already knows your concern because He is God that knows all things even the thoughts of your heart. But God wants a relationship with you. Sometimes even with children, you see them fall on the floor, and when they come crying to you, we still ask, what's wrong? What happened? Even though we saw what happened. We want our children to learn to tell us themselves what is wrong and how they feel. We are teaching them to communicate their feelings and concerns with us so we can develop a loving relationship with them. This is what God wants from you. He already knows your needs, He knows why you are anxious. But you have to let Him into your life and tell Him everything so He can help you and bless you. Let God be there for you as you desire to have more faith in Him. Trust in Him and He will surely meet all the needs in your life in Jesus name. Take a step of faith! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). Take a moment to talk to Him now. He is waiting for you, claim your blessings today.
Prayer:
Lord we come before you today confessing our weaknesses that our faith may not be as strong as the faith of Abraham. But we know that without faith, we cannot please you. Lord increase our faith in You.
Lord, help us to trust and obey you more. We want a closer relationship with you please draw us closer to you more than ever before.
Please Lord, help us to overcome the challenges in our lives and give us complete breakthrough. Change whatever needs to be changed in our lives for your name to be glorified in our lives. Heal our broken hearts Oh Lord, align our lives according to your plan and purpose for us as you did for Jacob.
Oh Lord, calm the storm of our lives and give us peace. Help us Lord and bring solutions to our problems, provide for our needs, bless us and make us a blessing to other people in Jesus name. Thank you Lord for hearing and answering our prayers in Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Rachael Saibu, Co-Founder/ Senior Pastor at TCOLG