Faith: Believing It Has Been Answered and Accomplished By God (Even Before We See The Result)
By Josephine Lim Weston
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.
The past weeks God has been using not only friends that I know but also sending strangers my way to speak words of faith into my life and situation.
A few weeks ago I brought my son to the nearby children centre for a stay and play session. When the session ended my son still continued playing with his new found friend outside at the playground. A staff-member came to me fully aware that I had been calling out for my son to come in so we could go home asked me, "Is he your only child?" I replied, "Yes, at the moment while the second is on the way. I have been praying that God will protect this baby," (in reference to my son who is so active that he will be careful and caring toward his younger sibling). She replied instantly full of confidence and faith, "God has already protected your baby and He is protecting your son too." Wow, what a woman of faith, I thought. It is so true what she said.
Also the following week, I brought my son to the nearby park to play at the playground. A woman with two young children were there. I had never seen them before. Eventually they left the playground to head home but my son followed them as he was so eager, hoping that the two children would continue playing with him. Well because my son kept following them (trust me I already told him not to follow but he enjoys the company of people, especially other children) the woman decided to stop and turn around toward my son and asked me, "What is your son's name?" I replied, "Jean-Luc." Then she proceeded to say (while looking at my son and holding on to her two young children), "John, you will be like St John the Baptist, set apart by God to turn the hearts of men toward God. You will be used by God." I instantly responded, "Amen! Thank you!"
In fact these past months I am seeing more and more people of God speaking boldly and encouraging people around them blessing them with God's word. I believe God is sending forth more faith-builders to speak life and hope to people in their life and the world.
I am very grateful for my connect group as at this moment I especially have sisters (friends) there that speak life and faith towards my unborn child. I would like to take this opportunity to thank these faith builders at this season in my life. A few months ago my husband and I received some not so encouraging news about my pregnancy and the baby so I shared briefly to my Connect Group members. Upon hearing this, three women in particular, namely Bukki (who is my connect group leader), Gracie and Moji, have been encouraging and speaking words of faith, life and hope unto me and our unborn baby. Bukki said to me, "Your baby is perfectly normal and growing normally. The baby is already perfect because he/she is made by God. The baby is perfect!" Gracie said to me, "You don't have to push hard for faith. Enjoy your pregnancy. God has done the work. Rest in Him and what His word says. All is well with your baby." While Moji introduced me to a wonderful book that I would totally recommend to anyone who is trying to conceive or is now pregnant, it's called "Supernatural Birth" by Jackie Mize.
Sometimes there are words in our heart that we could just easily say out of anger, frustration, confusion, anxiety or just wanting to please another person without appearing spiritual that are not of faith - it is better we don't say anything at that moment. Honestly, I've made lots of mistakes myself in this regard and stand to regret afterwards hence I've learnt and still learning that if there's temptation for me to speak what is not so good or about someone else words that are not edifying, I would rather not say anything about it to anyone. Words that are not of truth (in line with God's word) and not of faith it is better we don't say it so that we will not regret afterwards as what we say do carry weight whether good or bad. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words (Proverb 18:21).
When we hear any bad or negative news, lets go straight to the Lord in prayer, look for answers in God's word and important to surround ourselves with faith-builders (family and friends who speak words of life, positivity, hope and faith in that situation).
Lets choose to be faith builders ourselves and surround ourselves with faith-builders, especially when we're discouraged or when we receive negative reports. Believe and stand in agreement with God's Word in times of desperation.
Matthew 9:29
Then He (Jesus) touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith [your trust and confidence in My power and My ability to heal] it will be done to you.”
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
May I leave this blessed scripture with all of you in my closing:
Psalm 103:1-5
1 Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
3 Who forgives all your sins,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.
