Overcoming Unbelief

Jennifer — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:28:10 GMT

God seems to work in themes in my life. You know what I mean. Every sermon, morning devotional, and Christian radio program all "coincidentally" speak to me about the same subject for an uncomfortable length of time. I'll even get a card in the mail from a Christian friend I haven't seen in ten years and-you guessed it-she'll share a good word on the exact "theme."

Soon after my fortieth birthday, everywhere I turned I heard a message on "belief." I'm humiliated to admit that I became somewhat annoyed not to be hearing more on the subjects I really needed. After all, I already was a believer, and if believers don't believe, what on earth do they do?

Several weeks passed, and I still didn't get it. Finally one morning even Oswald Chambers had the audacity to bring up the subject in that day's entry of My Utmost for His Highest. I looked up and exclaimed, "What is this all about?" I sensed the Holy Spirit speakingto my heart, "Beth, I want you to believe Me." I was appaled. "Lord," I answered, "Of course I believe in You. I've believed in You all my life." I felt He responded very clearly. Adamantly. "I didn't ask you to believe in Me. I asked you to believe Me."

I sat very puzzled for several moments until I was certain that the Holy Spirit had faithfully shed light on my pitifully small faith. I sensed Him saying, "My child, you believe Me for so little. Don't be so safe in the things you pray. Who are you trying to keep from looking foolish? Me or you?"

I don't mind telling you that my life changed dramatically after God interrupted my comfortable pace with the "theme" of belief. Some of it has been excruciating, and some of it has been the most fun I've had in my entire Christian life. I have a feeling this is one theme I probably will run into again and again the course of my journey. Why? Because without faith it is impossible to please Him. In other words, you and I will be challenged to believe Him from one season to the next, all of our days. And if we have even half a heart for God, He's likely to shake our perimeters and stir up a little excitement.

Believing God is never more critical than when we have strongholds that need to be demolished. Believing God is also rarely more challenging. Why? Because we've battled most of our strongholds for years and perhaps tried countless remedies in an effort to be free with very little success. The enemy taunts us with whispers like, "You'll never be free. You've tried a hundred times. You go back every time. You're hopeless. You're weak. You're a failure. You don't have what it takes." Every one of these statements about you is a lie if you are a believer in Christ. You do have what it takes. You ahve Jesus- the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But you can't just believe in Him to be free from your stronghold. You must believe Him. Believe He can do what He says He can do. Believe you can do what He says you can do. Believe He is who He says He is. And believe you are who He says you are.

-From Praying God's Word by Beth Moore

Chapter 2 - Overcoming Unbelief

Overcoming Unbelief