Strong in Faith
Scripture: Romans 4 v 20 - 21:
"He staggered not at the promise of God through
unbelief; but was strong in faith giving glory to God; and being fully
persuaded that what He had promised, He was able also to perform."
These verses are talking about Abraham's reaction when
God told him that he and Sarah would have a child - he was 100 and Sarah 90
years old. Abraham never doubted but Sarah did, and sent Hagar her handmaid to
lie with Abraham in order to help God out.
Hagar's son, Ishmael, was the first of a new tribe of
Arabs that grew from his 12 sons into all the tribes that hate Israel today.
They claim Ishmael as the firstborn who should inherit the blessings of
Abraham.
Isaac was the son God promised to Abraham, and the seed
from which the Hebrews would come. Romans 9 v 7: "Neither, because they
are the seed of abraham, are they all children (of Israel): but, in Isaac shall
thy seed be called.". Isaac was the seed through whom God's covenant
people would come. Not ishmael.
So Abraham knew that what God promises is true. We can believe
His promises too. If God says it, I believe it even if every other voice says
otherwise. Even if circumstances seem to prove me wrong I believe God has a
plan which will come to pass in His precise timing.
Noah was told to build an Ark hundreds of miles from the
sea in a place that had not seen rain for over 100 years. Everyone mocked him
but he kept going as God promised him and his family it would be needed to
preserve their lives, and all the animals, birds, reptiles, insects which were
brought on board.
The mocking stopped when torrential rain fell and geysers
burst open to bring about a flood that would destroy the rest of the people
because of their gross sin. They screamed for Noah to let them in but God
Himself had closed the door.
God has promised safety to those who believe in Jesus and
conform to His body. We have to be part of Him, in a relationship with Him that
is higher than any other human relationship. The deeper we go with Jesus the
more intimate and powerful are our marriages and family relationships.
Jesus is like Noah's Ark! The only safe place is inside
Him through being born again and baptised. Through whatever storms you are
facing the Ark is unsinkable. Jesus can handle anything life throws at you if
you let Him.
His promises are true and you can trust Him with
everything. He is able to do the unthinkable. He stopped the Sun from going
down for almost 24 hours for Joshua to win a battle. He rose from the dead
against all odds. He rescued every one of us from eternal death.
I watched with sorrow on Sky News yesterday showing the
Pagan Wiccan's having Winter Solstice at Stonehenge. In an interview they said
that witchcraft is the fastest growing religion in Britain. Whatever happened
to Christian England? The old stone churches have become bingo halls.
Because they have not been watchful over their
relationship with Jesus, the UK faces a Muslim terror threat on a daily basis.
The Pagan Wiccans also deny Jesus and lead people down strange paths. It can
happen to anyone who allows complacency, false doctrines, indifference, to
cause backsliding.
Is your faith strong, unwavering, steadfast, enduring and
willing to believe in the impossible? Are you exercising your faith muscles
daily so that when something tries to trip you your hand is firmly held by
Jesus to prevent a fall? Its a life of no compromise with the devil. Its a life
filled with joy for the true believer.
Prayer: Father
God, Jesus asked if He would still find faith on Earth when He returns. I
promise to keep my faith strong so there will be at least one He can be blessed
with. I pray that everyone will keep the faith with Him and see the miracle and
healing power working through them. In Jesus' name. Amen.