“For Abraham is the father of all who believe. That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations. This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping – believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have! And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was good as dead – and so Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises”. (Romans 4: 16d – 21(NLT).
In the years I’ve spent living by faith, there’s something I’ve learned to do that helps me receive from God in the toughest of situations. It’s something I call stepping over the faith line. A faith line is what you need when you want God to do the “impossible” in your life. It’s what you need when you want to be firm in your faith and yet you keep wavering back and forth between your circumstances and God’s promises. It’s what can make you like faithful Abraham. You know, Abraham had natural facts to deal with just like we do. He knew there was no natural way for God’s promise to him to come true.
Yet the Word says Abraham considered not his own body. In other words, Abraham ignored the natural evidence around him and believed only God’s promise. Somewhere he stepped across the line of faith. He made an irreversible decision to go with the Word of God. He made a final commitment. He chose to step past the point of no return. And if you and I are ever going to see God do the impossible in our lives, we’re going to have to do the same thing!
How do you draw that faith line? Begin with the WORD. Search the promises of God and purposely believe what He has said, and is saying about your need. Meditate on those promises until faith rises in your heart. Then draw the line of faith. Draw it in your mind and heart. Draw it across the floor in your prayer room.
You see, you’re a triune being. You are a spirit. You have a soul, which consists of mind, will, and emotions. And you live in a body. Each of those areas has a specific role to play in your faith walk. You have to get all three in agreement before you can go anywhere at all!
Feed your spirit on the Word of God. Just like the body produces physical strength when you nourish it with the food, the spirit produces spiritual strength when you nourish it with the Word. That spiritual strength is called faith. Develop that faith, and instead of your spirit being dominated by the other two areas, it will be the one in charge. Bring your soul in line by setting your mind on “things above.” Meditate on the Word until your thoughts begin to agree with it. Keep your attention on it until even your emotions yield.
Finally, bring your body in line. Once you truly get your spirit and soul established on the Word, that won’t be hard. The body is a follower, not a leader. It will do whatever you train it to do. Begin teaching your body to act on the truth you’ve planted in your mind and spirit, and it will follow right along. From that moment on, speak only as if your miracle has already happened. Turn your back on the problems, on the doubts and turn your face toward Jesus Christ.
Don’t try to walk in faith with your foot nailed to the ground. Get yourself together! Bring your spirit, soul, and body in harmony – and the Word will take you as far as you should go.
Have a wonderful week with God doing the impossible in your life of faith.
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
S. Igein Isemede