By: Lakeacha Bethea-Christmas
How many times have you found yourself in an uncomfortable situation wondering how will you get through yet another rough patch? You prayed and gave the situation to God only to pick it back up because God was not moving fast enough? Well, if this sounds like you, the answer is – you have wavering faith.
Faith is a key to tapping in to God’s power. Often times we claim to have faith, yet at the first sign of trouble we start doubting God. When we start doubting, we move from the Spirit and into the flesh. The flesh wants us to believe that God will not deliver upon His promises because He has not granted us what we have asked for in our time. Our flesh tries to deceive our minds into stepping in to HELP God. Newsflash – God does not need our help.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) defines Faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” God does not operate in the tangible things of the world. If we can see it, touch it, hear it or smell it then what is there for God to do in the situation? God operates in the Spirit, which is intangible. He works in the things we can only hope for, which forces us to put our total and complete trust in God. Now, understand, God requires certain actions from us before He works in our situations.
He requires us to seek Him. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) says “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” He is not a genie in a bottle. We cannot rub the bible, and then He pops out and grants our wishes. We must have a relationship with Him. God made us in His image; therefore, He requires us to spend time getting to know Him the way we require someone to get to know us before we hand over our love, affection and possessions.
The next action is to trust God. Psalm 37:3-7 says “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…” Having faith is having trust in God. We must trust that He is working on our behalf in our circumstances. Although it says to be still, we are still required to seek God on a continual basis and praise God in advance for the manifestation of His blessings.
The biggest requirement is what NOT to do – do not doubt. In Matthew 21:21 (NIV) Jesus says “…if you have faith and do not doubt…you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea and it will be done.” Of course, the mountain symbolizes that no problem or circumstance is too big for us through God. When we make up our minds to give Him full control, He will begin to meet our needs.
8 comments
“The Waiting Room”
When you’re in a waiting room at the dentist, family physician your normally there a lot longer then you planned, intended, or would necessarily like to be, correct? You may have even had an appointment for a set time and something comes up where your waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more.
You get frustrated, restless, uneasy; you may even want throw your hands up and just say “forget it” all because you feel your waiting is all in vain.
Even as you’re waiting, you look around the office and you see plaques, degrees, awards, etc that confirm the doctor is indeed qualified and worth the wait.
This is the same behavior we we display when dealing with God.
As a Christians we have all been there. The proverbial “waiting room” waiting for our blessing, our breakthrough, our increase. We question God, wonder if he is listening, we think he doesn’t really care.
Proverbs 3:5-6 states:
“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in ALL thy ways acknowledge him and HE will direct your paths.”
This concept is difficult to grasp and adhere to even for the holiest of Christians because we get so caught up with wanting things done our way, on our time, with our own results. We have to understand its Gods will for our lives, not our own. Notice the caps on “ALL” and “HE.”
God is our primary care physician. His resume for taking care of you is flawless and without end. Just look at the countless stories, accounts, and parables in the Bible. Look at your own life if that not good enough and you need more proof. While in the waiting room, so just that. WAIT!!! Stand still, and be strong knowing that he is on on time God, and will never allow you to go through more than you can handle. God has not forgot.
In parting Remember this:
You’re only going through, what you’re going through to be where God wants you to be.
I guess it’s a work in progress too and we never stop being a work in progress until Jesus comes. This is where the importance of daily submission and renewal of faith comes in.
Right on time! This article speaks to me, but I too am guilty on losing my faith and patience in the midst of the things God is already working out. Daily communion with God will help to shed the unwavering faith we sometimes suffer with. I agree with Tony Williams’ last sentence–God is working it out! Amen!
Remaining pure in an inpure world goes beyond the illusion of “churchin” right into the realm of “relationship.” At this stage of my life, I have come to know that the early cultivation of a relationship among God, child and parents is crucial. Many of us have been told about a relationship with God but never really taught how to achieve one. I commend the author as well as her husband for their success; although not easily attained. Women and men of all stages/ages in life still grapple with remaining pure in an inpure world; be it spiritual, mental or physical. For the Word of God says in Jer. 29:11(NIV), “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Keep me in your prayers. Be Blessed:))
This article uplifted and convicted me. I surely need to reconnect with HIM. Thanks for the blessing.
Well this article spoke to me.. the more you pursue doing the “Right Thing” it seems like the “Wrong Thing” is always knocking at your front door. Well at least its that way for me… At these moments I sometimes have “Spiritual-Lapses” ( just made that one up, not sure its a word though) The funny thing is that I learn from these “Spiitual-Lapses” check this out, James 1:2-4 (NIV) says… 2Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3Because you know that the testing of you faith develops perseverance. 4PERSEVERANCE MUST FINISH ITS WORK SO THAT YOU MAY BE MATURE AND COMPLETE, NOT LACKING ANYTHING…GOD is invested in our success, you’re going through these things for a reason.
Lastly I will take a line from one of my favorite movies (IDLEWILD)
Big boi: GOD DON’T make no mistakes!
Andre3000: YOU AINT SAID NOTHING SLICK TO A CAN OF OIL!
Thank you Shenelle Wallace for this wonderful platform, this will truly bless the people. LOVE AND PEACE!
keep up the good works
“The Waiting Room”
When you’re in a waiting room at the dentist, family physician your normally there a lot longer then you planned, intended, or would necessarily like to be, correct? You may have even had an appointment for a set time and something comes up where your waiting, and waiting, and waiting some more.
You get frustrated, restless, uneasy; you may even want throw your hands up and just say “forget it” all because you feel your waiting is all in vain.
Even as you’re waiting, you look around the office and you see plaques, degrees, awards, etc that confirm the doctor is indeed qualified and worth the wait.
This is the same behavior we we display when dealing with God.
As a Christians we have all been there. The proverbial “waiting room” waiting for our blessing, our breakthrough, our increase. We question God, wonder if he is listening, we think he doesn’t really care.
Proverbs 3:5-6 states:
“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in ALL thy ways acknowledge him and HE will direct your paths.”
This concept is difficult to grasp and adhere to even for the holiest of Christians because we get so caught up with wanting things done our way, on our time, with our own results. We have to understand its Gods will for our lives, not our own. Notice the caps on “ALL” and “HE.”
God is our primary care physician. His resume for taking care of you is flawless and without end. Just look at the countless stories, accounts, and parables in the Bible. Look at your own life if that not good enough and you need more proof. While in the waiting room, so just that. WAIT!!! Stand still, and be strong knowing that he is on on time God, and will never allow you to go through more than you can handle. God has not forgot.