Faith continued...

This week's posting is related to a simple quote from Corrie Ten Boom that is powerful in helping us exercise our "faith muscle":

Look within, and be depressed;
Look around, and be oppressed;
Look to Jesus, and be at rest!

The muscle of faith must be exercised in order to be strengthened; and exercise always means pushing against resistance.

When we remember this, it helps us to thank the Lord for the difficulties we face because they are the very servants of God to refine and train us in faith for an eternal assignment to rule and reign with Him.

Not only do sufferings strengthen us in faith (if we cling to God and focus on Him in our weakness), but they build a hope in us that is solid and true and that lifts us above shame: Romans 5:3-5 “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

This hope is what gives us the ability to speak of what is to come even though we don’t yet see it manifested in the present. And the speaking out of the fulfillment of that for which we are believing God for in prayer is critical for the full work of salvation to take place, both in us as those interceding and in those for whom we pray.

And so again I encourage you to not lose heart but, like Corrie ten Boom, exercise the faith muscle and “look to Jesus”, the Author and Finisher of your faith. The turning of the eyes of your heart to look at Him (when tempted to look at others or at yourself) is done by many little things throughout the day, such as what I shared last week (meditating and declaring truth from His Word) or whispering His name or singing a song to Him or witnessing to another person about His goodness and greatness…

Every little glance from His child ravishes His heart so don’t underestimate how much you move Him when you turn your eyes to look to Him; as you exercise this "muscle", in time it becomes easier to use.

Holy Spirit, once again we ask for Your help, very aware that only You can love Jesus in and through us and that you delight to help us look to Him. Thank You!