A Lesson on FaithSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: Whatever situations you are in, be righteous and look upon the Lord; surely you can live holy. Whatever comes, whoever may trouble you, set your eyes upon the Lord alone. He will bless and exalt you. Read through the life of Abraham. It was uncertain for Abraham to beget a child. But, the Lord promised Him saying, "your generation shall be like the stars in heaven." But then, he did not get a child immediately. He was about a hundred years old and Sarah's womb was dead (Romans 4:19). Even at that stage, he trusted the promise of God and held on to it. And that made him righteous.
"He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore it was accounted to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us." (Romans 4:20-24)
Today, in our life we are in need of so many things. We are anxious to be relieved from our debts and from our oppression. We long to get rid of our sufferings and struggles. Not knowing the path, we wander in darkness. But the Bible exhorts us to put our total trust on the Lord alone. The Lord is mighty enough to help His children who believe in Him.
There are many promises of God in the Bible. That is why, we need to read it sincerely, everyday. If you have these promises in your heart, and when you panic, "Oh! I am in a pitiable state and perishing", then the Lord will remind you of His promises that suit your situation. You can then hold on to them and pray; the Lord will give you faith and make you righteous.
The Bible says about Mary, "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." (Luke 1:45)
That is the trust that righteous people have. Abraham faced a lot of trials, but he held on to the Lord at all times. After Sarah delivered the baby, she and Hagar quarreled. Sarah said to Abraham, "This problem arose because of you; send away this servant maid and her child." Abraham was wounded by these words. But then, he did not give her a reply immediately; he sought the counsel of God. Only when God spoke to him and said, "Do as Sarah has said", he obeyed the Lord and the problem was solved. He trusted in God and sent Hagar and the lad away. Trials do come in the lives of righteous people, but when they seek the wisdom of Christ, they receive divine counsel.
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
The stronger our hold on the Lord's words and His promises, the more we become righteous. Dear friend, whatever situations you are in, seek always to be righteous; look upon the Lord. Surely, you can live a holy life. Whatever comes, whoever may trouble you, set your eyes upon the Lord.
"Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." (Romans 8:30)
Dear friend, do you have full trust upon the Lord and hold Him steadfastly? If not, ask Him for faith. He will grant it to you and bless you.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Give me the experience of Abraham. He trusted in You and You answered Him according to His faith. Father, grant me faith in my heart. Help me to believe in You with all my heart. Help me not to waver in my faith. Let Your Spirit fill my heart and help me be righteous always. I give You all the glory, honour and praise. I pray through Christ, my Lord.
Amen. |