Hi Folks;
I'd like to touch on a subject which tends to be overlooked in many
discussions, yet is something that's at the core of every believer's walk
with God. It ultimately determines our effectiveness both as a visible
witness and as a leader. Like bad apples, a faith in poor shape can leave
a
bad taste, lose its appeal to others, and have worms eating at its core.
I'm not a writer, so much of my words are those of others. I'm not
out
to plagiarize their insight, but to pass it along.
Faith & Prayer
"And besides this," he declares, "giving diligence, add to your faith
virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to
temperance patience; and to patience godliness." (2 Pet 1:5)
Of this additive process, faith was the starting-point - the basis of
the other graces of the Spirit. Faith was the foundation on which other
things were to be built. Peter does not enjoin his readers to add to works
or gifts or virtues but to faith. Much depends on starting right in this
business of growing in grace. There is a Divine order, of which Peter was
aware; and so he goes on to declare that we are to give diligence to
making
our calling and election sure, which election is rendered certain adding
to
faith which, in turn, is done by constant, earnest praying. Thus faith is
kept alive by prayer, and every step taken, in this adding of grace to
grace, is accompanied by prayer.
The faith which creates powerful praying is the faith which centers
itself on a powerful Person. Faith in Christ's ability to do and to do
greatly, is the faith which prays greatly. Thus the leper lay hold upon
the
power of Christ. "Lord, if Thou wilt," he cried, "Thou canst make me
clean."
In this instance, we are shown how faith centered in Christ's ability to
do,
and how it secured the healing power.
Prayer does not stand alone. It is not an isolated duty and
independent
principle. It lives in association with other Christian duties, is wedded
to
other principles, is a partner with other graces. But to faith, prayer is
indissolubly joined. Faith gives it colour and tone, shapes its character,
and secures its results.
Yet, quite often, faith is too weak to obtain God's greatest good,
immediately; so it has to wait in loving, strong, prayerful, pressing
obedience, until it grows in strength, and is able to bring down the
eternal, into the realms of experience and time.
Jesus Christ clearly taught that faith was the condition on which
prayer
was answered. When our Lord had cursed the fig-tree, the disciples were
much
surprised that its withering had actually taken place, and their remarks
indicated their in credulity. It was then that Jesus said to them, "Have
faith in God."
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain,
Be
thou removed and be thou cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his
heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to
pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, What
things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and
ye
shall have them." (Mark 11:23-24).
Think about it. A prayer faith begging to be used and available 24/7.
And the best part, it's noninvasive. You can pray for someone regardless
of
their status or geographical location. It's purpose isn't to bend others
to
our will, but to lead others to Christ, or strengthen those who need help.
A prayer could be for seeking wisdom, healing, or mercy for those who
oppose
us.
Above all, remember to give prayers of thanksgiving even if you would
rather not. Admittingly, this can be very difficult as its logically
contradictory. Remember, I'm pulling for ya. We're all in this together.
Cheers,
John
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