by Timothy W. Burnett
Understanding the integrity and strength of God�s word and power helps greatly toward believing to receive from Him. This starts with spending lots of time in God�s word and with other believers who can help us to grow into a mature believing Christian. Read about the many people over the years who believed God. The Bible is packed with stories.
Hebrews chapter 11 provides a number of excellent examples. We can make each one a subject of focused study. While reading this chapter notice verse 6, �But without faith it is impossible to please Him [God]. For he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards of them that diligently seek Him.� We must believe that He is the one true God who created the heavens and the earth, and believe that He rewards them who diligently seek Him both in prayer and in His word.
They fully understood and were humble to God�s powerful might and dominion. Peter taught us, �Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care [anxiety] upon Him, for He cares for you� (1Peter 5:6-7). This means to mentally bow down far below so as to express complete trust and dependence upon another.
Being humble to God�s powerful might is one half of the coin. There is also a need to recognize our weakness. Paul understood this well, �And He [God] said unto me, �My grace is sufficient for you. For my strength is made perfect in weakness�� (2Corinthians 12:9). Paul had suffered in the hands of people who served the will of satan. He prayed three different times for this to stop. God wanted him to learn to let His grace be sufficient, and to understand that His strength is perfectly fulfilled in his weakness.
�Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might� (Ephesians 6:10). As we use our mental and physical talents and skills in life let�s not forget that we need �the whole armor of God, that we may be able to aggressively stand against the devises of the devil� who seeks not but to steal, kill and destroy (Ephesians 6:11, John 10:10).
In the name of Jesus Christ, we have been given something better than what the Old Testament believers had. Hebrews 11 finishes with this, �And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise. God provided a better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.�
We have obtained the promise that they hoped and longed for. In the name of Jesus Christ, let�s live it!
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