Mark 6:5–6 He was not able to do a miracle there, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed because of their unbelief.
Faith has become difficult for many to understand due to the pollution of the Health-Wealth movement. Biblically it has two parts, God’s and ours. God’s power is involved…and His direct will. Our action is involved…Do we trust that God can do, Do we know what we want, and are we submitted to His ultimate desire for us?
God’s part never is the problem! His power can do anything…even make the sun do what He desires. His direct will also will never fail, which will include even allowing wrong choices and sin from those that He loves so much.
Our part requires action, inaction can stop anything God might have done. If we choose not to use our faith, God may give us what we want – nothing! Authentic faith involves trust, knowledge of what we desire, and yielding to His decision. If you desire to have real confidence that God is giving what you requested to you, the third action is vital! Will you yield to what He desires?
The Health-Wealth teachers “Boohoo” this as lack of faith, only demonstrating their ignorance of the Scriptures and the God that authored them. They have confused “faith” with “intimidation” and “demand!” Even Jesus in the garden shared His fierce desire not to go to the cross…3 times…but showed His heart was right with “never the less!” That was not a lack of faith; it is the greatest proof of faith! Trust in God’s choice, not ours. The “claim it” group does not show faith; they show spiritual arrogance, selfish desires, and unwillingness to yield to God’s wisdom.
Before you yield though, you must know what you want! In Mark 10:46-52, we see a man that is an example of that. We saw the first 3 mindsets needed previously:
1. Stop waiting for the perfect circumstances.
2. Assume responsibility for your own life.
3. Stop worrying about what others will say.
4. Take advantage of "opportunity."
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "
Something as little as - not being able to see - was not going to stop this guy!
There is a statue of “Opportunity” with wings on its feet, a long lock of hair on its forehead, bald in the back, with this inscription…" MY NAME IS OPPORTUNITY." "Why do you have wings on your feet?" "THAT I MAY FLY AWAY SWIFTLY." "Why do you have a forlock?" "THAT MEN MAY SEIZE ME WHEN I COME." "Why are you bald in back?" "WHEN I AM GONE BY NONE CAN LAY HOLD OF ME."
Colossians 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
Many times we hesitate to move because we are fearful. Being controlled by fear can cost a lot, fear of the unknown, failure, and disappointment. That is why a close walk with God is essential. James tells us to ask for wisdom – Jas.1:5
5. Know what you need.
"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see."
Make sure you understand what it is you desire. Here are some questions to ask: Have I counted the cost? How will God desire me to use the answer He gives? What will I do if God's answer is different than what I want?
6. Believe that things can change.
"Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Do I really trust that if God desires this, He will do it? Am I willing to wait on His timing? Am I willing to share my desire and hope with someone else, or am I afraid that I might look stupid if I do not get what I asked for? If God's answer is different, will I still thank Him for His will in front of others, or will I try to make excuses?
Luke shares the reason God healed this man:
Luke 18:43 Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
God has a BIG purpose for what He does, and we need to be yielded to that, not our finite vision.
Faith is trusting that God WILL do, it is NOT telling God what He will do!
The So What: Does your faith involve risk? When you desire something from God do you leave the final result to His choice? When you “boldly” approach the throne…does that sound like a demand from you? Does being “bold” have to do with confidence or control?
