Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to run to God when our faith fails us. We are reminded of the man whose son had an evil spirit. He asked Jesus to help him, if He could. “If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” That’s when the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:17-24)
There’s a passage in the message that gives us a little insight into faith. It tells us that as we get to know Jesus more and more, our faith grows. It works that way in any relationship. At the same time, as our faith grows, we are more aware of what we lack in the way of faith. We also become aware of more ways in which we fall short of walking in power. I’m talking about overcoming power and effectiveness.
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. (1 Chronicles 4:10) This scripture speaks to me of the territory within. That’s where it all begins. Whenever there’s a revelation that leads us to repentance, to correction, to courage, etc., that territory within is enlarged. That territory within is the Kingdom of Heaven, or your heart for God. Spending time with God daily, and in His Word, helps to build the relationship with Him. This is where we can take that shortcoming, that thing that we just can’t get past, or even that thing we’re wanting to learn to do, and get the territory enlarged.
When we’re dealing with problem behavior, or other things we’re trying to overcome in ourselves, we surely don’t want to suffer any harm in the process, right? God is abounding in steadfast love; and His mercy and grace are always sufficient to accomplish the victory, without doing you harm. The pain we may feel actually comes from the flesh not wanting to go along with the Spirit. You know; the scale says skip the lasagna and go for the salad, so you do…and what comes by on the dessert cart? Tiramisu! “Jesus! You said this wouldn’t hurt!” “Oh, wait; Satan, get behind me!” “Sorry, Lord.” Now, you pray for the willpower to skip that dessert. Jesus sends it, you walk out triumphant, and the next time that Tiramisu comes to entice you, you’re not even phased. Ha!
Love you from Cafe du Mondieu
Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 13, 2020, 12:44 p.m.