Faith, the Gift from GodSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: No one can acquire faith on his or her own. It is God the Father, who generates faith in you. He is the author and finisher of faith. Faith is one of the many gifts that our God has given to mankind. In today's uncertain world, many complain that they do not have faith, that they are not able to believe anything easily.
In the Holy Bible, we read of Abraham, the 'Father of faith' who was also called the 'friend of God'. Even after being the friend of God, he had a severe trial in his life. He was childless! People might have questioned to Abraham also: "You are talking of God all the time. Why is it that you have no child?" But God infused faith in His servant, Abraham. He was brave and had all his faith only in the Lord. He believed that "He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). Many severe temptations came in Abraham's life. God gave him the son of His promise and made Abraham happy. But at the same time, God tested his faith by ordering him to sacrifice his only son. Even then, the faith in Abraham did not go down. But he trusted God more. He said in his heart, "He who granted me a son in my old age, is mighty to raise alive my son even if I sacrifice my son. His promises never fails." It was God who gave Abraham such an unshakable faith in God! Isaac asked his father in all innocence; "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" (Genesis 22:7). Imagine how the heart of Abraham would have broken to smithereens by that question! Abraham told his son unflinchingly, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together (Genesis 22:8). The Lord spared Abraham's only son from death and provided a lamb to be sacrificed in his stead as a burnt offering. This God is a God of truth! Faithful is He who has promised!
Today, when you the child of God are afflicted, then the world will scoff at you, "Why this suffering for you who seek God? You helped many who were in tears. Why then this affliction for you?"
Friend, the Lord has given several promises to you. All you have to do is trust them and cling on to God and be good in His sight and keep yourself pure and holy, then God who promised will fulfill all His promises in your life. It was by trusting in God's promises, Abraham became the 'Father of faith'. Cling to His promises and implore Him, "Lord, You have promised this! Fulfill Your promises in my life! Grant me what You have promised!" If you claim your promise with faith you will definitely see His words coming true in your life. Only God can grant you such faith. Do not despair, asking yourself, "Will I ever succeed in life or should I live always in tears?" Victory is certain for you when you seek the Lord. He will grant you the faith that will bring you the victory. Remember, you have the Almighty God in your midst who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will release you from your bonds. He who made Abraham a Father of faith and showered on him all the blessings will bless you as well.
There was a couple that had committed themselves wholly to Christ. They loved each other fervently, had regular family prayers and were engaged only in doing things pleasing to the Lord. They had several trials, and one was that they could not make both ends meet with their meager income. They spent every hour they could spare in the Lord's service. When faced with financial hardships, they were at a loss to know what to do. They never shared their problems with anyone. They confided only in the Lord and prayed for His provision. They had a son. All three of them prayed with one accord, "Lord! You are our only hope! Deliver us from our distress so that Your name may not be abused. Deliver us from our penury and save our lives." Relief came at last. One day, the Lord spoke to them, "My beloved children! Even in your want and penury, you set your love on Me with no word of complaint. I rejoice over you. From now on I shall bless you."
The Bible says, "He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9).
"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22).
Accordingly, the Lord's blessings will overwhelm you. The Lord God gives faith to live a pleasing life before His sight. He will grant you that faith. Grieve not that while your brother and sister are well off, you are considered a disgrace to society, maligned even by your parents. Our God is great. "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). That alone is our hope. Hold fast to Him. He is an impartial God! He loves you when you look up to Him. Love Him and keep your heart pure and clean, because He wants to come and reside in your heart. He will surely come within you and be with you wherever you may go!
Prayer:
Most loving Heavenly Father,
All my trust is only in You, Lord! But many a time, when Your promises seem far away to my eyes, I start doubting You and Your promises. Help me to come out of my doubting nature and help me to have my total faith in You for my everything. Cleanse my heart of all that is impure. Change all my evil ways and all that is unpleasing in Your sight. Make me Your beloved child. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen. |