In Faith, Believing
“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer,
believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)
Hello Saints,
Have you been watching soccer with the rest of the world? Fútbol Fever is running rampant; it’s hard to avoid exposure to the “beautiful game”. I’ve always been intrigued by the amount of prayer and faith associated with playing any sports game. If both teams are praying for victory, which does God answer? Is He even a sports fan? While you see many players expressing their faith on the field, believing their god will give them the outcome they desire, you also see and hear fans proclaiming, “just believe”. After Canada’s latest victory, fans were exuberantly declaring, “all the way baby…the cup is ours…just believe!” And then the news comes on with pictures of people being rescued from the wreckage of the Venezuela earthquakes, believing their buried loved ones are still alive beneath the pile of rubble. Oh the dichotomy! Faith is powerful. It keeps people hopeful, anticipating a desired outcome. Along with expressions of faith, I hear words like, “positivity”, “stay positive”, “positive energy”, which basically means that if one blocks out the negative and critical energy in any situation, their positive attitude will lead to the result they want to see. Optimism so they say, believing in yourself, blocking out negative thoughts and worry are key to achieving success and happiness. So, if the fans and players of two opposing teams are doing the above, who wins? The ones who do ‘positivity’ the best? I digress.
The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale has sold millions of copies and influenced many a sermon by some of the biggest names in Christianity. It even claims to be based on biblical texts, like the one above in Mark 11:24. Here’s a little more of that passage:
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:22-25)
Jesus did not anchor His words in the believer’s ability to “be positive” or block out negativity and worry. His ‘truth’ is anchored in God – ‘have faith in God’. It is not our ability but God’s ability that brings about the desired outcome. Our faith must be in God, not in ourselves, but in God’s desire to release the kingdom of God/Heaven to bring about His purposes. Does our desire line up with His desire? Chapter 11 of Mark is an indictment against Israel for turning what God had done in them, into mere religious activity. The barren fig tree represents fruitless Israel which had no faith, even after all that God had done in, for and through them. They had a form of godliness but denied the power of God (2Tim. 3:5), the God who had done miracle after miracle and provided supernaturally for them since He called them into being.
Recently, I experienced a couple of answers to prayer that were quite remarkable. In the first instance, the need was financial. As we gathered to pray for the need, I just knew in my spirit, at that moment, because it was His will that this issue be financially provided for, He was going to answer the prayer. I just started praising Him for His provision and faithfulness. A few hours later, that financial provision was met exactly and supernaturally, the way only God could answer. I have always believed, “if it is His will, it is His bill”, and He came through on His promise. A pastor deposited that truth in me a few years before I even started pastoring, and I have always believed it. I believe that what God says He will do, He will do! I could give many examples where supernatural provision was given to supply needs, move mountains (obstacles), and further advance the ministry into His purposes. Again, just recently, someone was experiencing a physical issue. As I was talking to this person, I could see their heart for God to get the glory in the healing – their faith was strong in the power of God to heal. I was prompted to pray for the individual right there, as God had given me a word that He was going to heal the issue. In faith, believing for what I heard, I prayed for the healing, and God has already begun to answer that prayer. Praise God He will complete what He started!
I, along with the team God has put around me, have dedicated our lives to bring healing to the brokenhearted, the sick in body and soul, to raise up followers of Jesus who will live the kingdom of God by preaching the word of the kingdom with signs and wonders following. Praise God for all those who are walking in the fulness of the risen Christ in their lives! This past Saturday I joined in the 70th anniversary of Singing Waters – a ministry built on faith and the power of God to set the captive free, by introducing people to the Father’s heart. So many testimonies of miracles and divine provision. That’s what the kingdom of God is all about (Luke 10:9, 11:20). The Father wants His children walking in freedom and power (Luke 4:18), not hidden in empty religion. Religion is man trying to control God and conform Him to their image. Faith is followers of Jesus allowing God to be God as He uses us to do the impossible. It is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Heb.11:1), not because of ‘positive thinking’ but because of a powerful God who can do the impossible and even do the impossible through those who are willing to allow Him to work through them. That’s the Church Jesus came to build! Let’s get out of the four walls, taking our faith into the streets, to overthrow our opponents by casting out demons, healing the sick, preaching the good news of a resurrected, victorious Savior who conquered the grave and set us free from the power of sin. Let’s cheer loudly for the team we are on – team Jesus, who has already won.
Blessings!
"Advancing the Kingdom of God by releasing Spirit-filled followers to serve Jesus in freedom and joy."
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