17. As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations, before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb; 20. He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21. And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.
To Be Persuaded Is To Have Faith
In this passage of scripture God is speaking to Abraham as well as to all believers. When God speaks to our spirit-man, we have to respond like Abraham. Abraham was fully persuaded. He believed despite what his body represented in the natural. This is where most people would have failed the test. Too often we allow our present situation or our past situations to dictate our future. Because we can’t see or understand a thing, or if it “just don’t make no sense,” we lack the faith to bring in the manifestation.
Faith & Hope Go Hand-in-Hand
As we just read, that was not the case with Abraham. He against hope believed in hope. This requires a fully persuaded mindset. This is where we as believers drop the ball. Too often we revert back to our past, or what is familiar as opposed to taking a leap of faith by being fully persuaded that what God promises he is able to perform beyond all physical limitations. What’s impossible for us is possible with God. What was Abraham’s reward for being fully persuaded? It was imputed to him as righteousness. WOW!! If God did it for Abraham, and we are the seed of Abraham, then righteousness by faith is ours as well. This is proof positive that God is able to perform beyond our expectations, just like He did for Abraham. Did God give Abraham a son? What was the name of Abraham’s first son? Tweet the answer. I tell you our God is real. His faithfulness is even recorded on Google. HA!
The word of God works independent of any situation or circumstance. In verse 17 of today’s scriptures, God calls those things that are not as though they are. This is the way God created the heavens and the earth in the book of Genesis. God said it and it was so. Glory, Glory, Glory! Our God is awesome!
Faith in God’s Promise Leads to Possession of the Promise
How do we move from promise to possession? It requires faith in God first. Then you followup faith with a very disciplined work ethic. Remember: Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26)! Determination is being relentless concerning the word of God and what it requires us to do. What are some of these things? Well, first as believers, God demands a tithe. A tithe is a tenth of all your gross earnings. If you don’t tithe, the word of God says that you are “cursed with a curse” because you have not only robbed God, but your entire nation (Malachi 3:9 )! The attitude of gratitude and duty should also prevail when it comes to sowing a seed. Let’s explain what “a seed” is. A seed is an offering that you give of your resources to serve the Lord. A seed can be your time, money, or any thing you give away. Give away something that you cannot keep to obtain something you cannot loose (Jim Eliot).
Seed Time & Harvest
The principle of seed time and harvest is very clear in the natural order. If you plant a garden with corn, peas, squash etc. you will reap a harvest of corn. peas, and squash. The same principle works in the spiritual realm. Whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap. Do you want to give or receive? Your giving will set you up to receive. How do you go from promise to possession? Giving tithes and offerings, and sowing seeds leads to manifestations that cannot be contained. It allows the Lord to “open up the windows of Heaven” and bless you so much you won’t be able to contain everything He gives you (Malachi 3:10).
Remember, the Lord is responsible for your harvest. You plant seed, and another waters, but God brings the increase. Let’s say I received $20.00 I have two choices: I can spend the money, (and will be all that money can produce), or I can sow the seed into fertile ground (the Kingdom of God), and receive a harvest that keeps on producing. You can follow God’s plan, or be afraid and do nothing. Joshua 1:9 (KJV) says:
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Increase & Prosper,
Joyner Lights
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.