believe ...

Greetings!

I pray your day and your weekend has been enjoyable. It is hard to believe that it is December already! The time this year has flown by … filled with many unexpected twists and turns. As far as challenges go, this year has been one for the record books.

Earlier this week, I saw a post from someone that was encouraging those who have had a difficult year - advising that 2019 is going to be better. Now, please do not misunderstand the point I am about to make. I understand the intention behind what the person said. However, it seemed somewhat defeatist to me that they appeared to have already counted 2018 a complete wash. I had difficulty receiving this message. I mean, I do believe 2019 is going to be a great year. This is true …

However, I am still believing for the much-anticipated, wonder-filled but not-yet-manifest greatness still remaining in 2018.

That being the case –

This morning, I found myself uttering this tearful prayer, “LORD, help us to BELIEVE AGAIN, for those things which we have accepted as impossible … those things which we have stopped asking for because we believe that it will never happen.”

When Mary was approached by an angel of the LORD, it was declared unto her “Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus.” [Luke 1:31] 

Mary’s initial response was inquisitiveness, “How shall this be since I have not been intimate with a man?” Yet, she ultimately settled herself to believe what was spoken by declaring, ‘I am the LORD’s servant … let be unto me according to your word.’ Luke 1:38

Why is this significant?

We must understand that the foretelling of the birth of Christ went back many, many years.

“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Mary believed the word of the angel [the set time for the manifestation of the Promised One] – this despite there being generations, upon generations awaiting the delivery of the promise of the LORD. No doubt – there were also many who had likely given up hope of the promise ever occurring. 

Likewise – we too can become discouraged in waiting for God to answer that prayer uttered years ago, to deliver that promise that we heard Him whisper to our hearts, to arrive on the scene and work in our situation.

The beautiful thing for us is that we are no longer waiting for our Messiah to arrive on the scene. That verse in Isaiah says 'a Son will be given us'. In addition to having the matchless names of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace … He is Emmanuel – God with us. Jesus fulfilled it when He came.

Several months back, someone [who I believe had the best intentions] was attempting to bring encouragement by stating, ‘Jesus is on the way.’ Now – with all due respect – I felt compelled to speak up and voice some clarifying truth on the matter. You see, while what that individual declared might have been good encouragement, it is bad theology.

If I am serving a God where I must wait for Him to arrive in my situation and circumstance, I am serving the wrong God. He is the one and only OMNI-PRESENT. His Word states that HE GOES BEFORE ME and makes the crooked places straight. He is my EVER-PRESENT help in the time of trouble. I am never waiting for Him to arrive or to show up on the scene. His HOLY SPIRIT LIVES WITHIN me. He is already where I am and everywhere I will be … working all things together for my good and His glory. HE IS ALREADY HERE!

He is Emmanuel … God with us

He is Omni-present which means it is impossible for Him not to be present in your life.

Even when you cannot see where He is working … or understand how He is working … trust that He is present and that He is working still. Believe!

Perhaps your desire is like that of …

§  Elizabeth and Zechariah, who believed for years for a child [Luke 1:11-25;57]

§  Abraham and Sarah who shared a similar desire and challenge [Genesis 21:1-3]

§  Mary and Martha who believed for the recovery of their brother Lazarus [Jn. 11:43]

§  Ruth who believed for a new husband [Ruth 4:13]

§  David who believed for deliverance from his enemies [pick a verse!]

§  The widow who believed for supernatural financial provision [II Kings 4:1-7]

§  Esther who prayed earnestly and believed for the protection of her people [Esther 4:16]

§  The lame man who believed for healing [Acts 5:1-9]

§  Peter who believed for rescue from prison [Acts 12:6-10]

§  The friends who believed for their friend’s healing [Luke 5:17-20]

Though all had different situations and different time frames which they had to endure – they had one thing in common: They all had a set-time when what they were believing God for finally manifested in their lives.

He is still a miracle-working God!  
He is already present in our situation and He does not need centuries, or year or months to bring His promises to pass in your life. He can do it in an instant.

Keep Trusting … Keep Believing…

Have a Restful Evening and Blessed Week!