Faith

"God rejoices when we manifest a faith that holds Him to His Word." - Smith Wigglesworth

 Faith has always been a topic that I was sure I didn't have a real grasp on.  I guess this was partly because I had never found myself in a situation that required me to believe for something specific.  I thought faith was just believing God would listen to my prayers and would do what was best for me... I no longer think it's that simple. I think that's more a trust in God than it is a faith in Him.  I know it's seems like the two are sort of the same thing, but I don't think they are.  We are given scriptures like Romans 8:28, that says "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."  To me, this is a perfect verse to show us why we should trust God, but it's not really the same as standing on a promise and not being satisfied, with anything less than that promise being realized in our lives.  When I first read the quote at the top of this post by Smith Wigglesworth, I immediately started crying.  I think it made the whole topic so much clearer to me at a time when I really wanted to believe God was going to do some big things on my behalf.  It proclaims in such a great way, the permission and even the challenge God gives us to hold Him to His Word and allow Him the opportunity to show off His love, mercy, power and kindness to us.  


It's not supposed to be confusing I don't think.  I have always over-complicated it because I did not feel like I was in a position to require anything of God.  I always felt like I was blessed just to be alive and to push God on anything more would be disrespectful and bratty.  However, I recently discovered a verse I'm not sure I had ever noticed before.  Isaiah 62:7 says, "Give the LORD no rest until he completes his work..."  The point is this... God said He was going to do something, so instructions were given to pray, stand, believe, hold-out and fight until that word from God was accomplished.  If He says He'll do something, then He WILL do it.  He loves seeing us relax in that knowledge and not let go of Him or his promise until it is finished.  


Does that always mean, He says it and then He does it, no matter what we do or say?  NO!  He shows us His best and it's up to us to push through to receive it.  Here's an example...  Imagine going to God in prayer and saying, "Lord, here is my question/burden/request...  God has an answer for you.  He says no sometimes, or sometimes he says wait and sometimes He says yes, I'll do that for you because I love you.  In the "yes" moments, what if He says "yes, I'll do that for you because I love you, BUT getting to the desired end is going to be long, frustrating and painful"?  It's then up to you to decide "I'm willing to endure for your best Lord" or you can say "no thanks Lord, I'd rather have good because it's easier than best".  When we choose to endure, believing God will do what he said, staying tough till the end, and not being swayed by what we see, is the definition of what I understand as faith....


I have sooooooo much to share about what I'm learning about faith...  I think, over the next couple of weeks, my blogging will be devoted to this topic...  That's all I'm going to say today... But, btw, I love hearing comments.  If you agree or think I'm nuts, I'd love to hear your thoughts.  I'm still learning so anything you wanna say is welcome.