daily IMPACT by selahV today

AS YOU HAVE BELIEVED

“I tell you truly, I have not found so much faith as this with anyone, even in Israel.” Matthew 8:10b

A Roman centurion. An unknowledgable Gentile without the teachings of the learned rabbis of scriptures. Yet it says “When Jesus heard him, He marveled.”{10. Jesus Himself said He’d not found anyone with as much faith as this lost and degenerate soul who came begging for help for his suffering paralyzed servant boy. And what did Jesus do to reward such faith? He told the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant boy was restored to health at that very moment.” Mt. 8:13.

“As you have believed.”

Could that be the reason we have so little occur of what we wish in our lives? our churches? our country? It’s not that we don’t have faith–but our faith is impotent. We believe God can, but do we believe God will? This centurion believed his servant boy would be healed from the mere say-so of Jesus. Jesus didn’t have to make an appearance on his account. The centurion believed the work would be done simply because Jesus ordered it done.

What faith do we have? It is a shame we do not accomplish more today. I truly believe it is because we lack faith. We don’t believe God will. Sunday after Sunday we pray for a spirit-filled revival and yet we do not believe it will happen. We don’t expect the Holy Spirit to really show up. For when He does move in the hearts of God’s people, we stand amazed. We should expect God to move in marvelous ways, not only in our churches, but in our lives, and in our country.

What miracles do we not see as a result of our unbelief? Can you hear the rattle of dry bones? Do you sense a stirring in the pews? Are you being given “as you have believed”? selahV

WHEN I CRIED

Tears have been a longstanding companion in my life. Tears of joy, of sorrow, of repentance, of pain. As a believer who trusts in the sovereignty of God, I’ve learned that all my tears are ones which God counts and understands. He has compassion upon me. I do not deserve it. But because of my Lord Jesus, I am blessed beyond measure for my faith in Him.

I’ve cried out for mercy when I realized the condition of my heart. I’ve begged for comfort when the world offered none. I’ve revelled in the glory of God’s provision, sufficiency and grace when all circumstances told me He had forgotten me.

I’ve known God existed since I was a child. I had no doubts that He existed. For more than 18 years I just believed He existed for others. I never realized that through my life’s experiences He was preparing me for who I am today and who I will be tomorrow. What I didn’t know for years is how very much He loves me. Oh, had I only known! Really known.

There were so many years I could easily have mouthed the words of David, “For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes;” Ps. 31:22a. But then in my ignorance was unable to say, “…nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried to thee.” Ps. 31:22b.

When my mother left when I was a toddler of 3 years. When I was abused by relatives. When my brother was killed when I was but 18. When I lost my first-born son who lived but 23 hours, then lost another in miscarriage. When so many many years I begged God for help and never saw His hand of sovereign grace in my life. Those are the times I truly believed I was “cut off from before His eyes”. I thought I was worthless. I decided it was because I wanted other people’s moms, other children’s families–”thou shalt not covet thy neighbor” after all.

Today I can see why much of the sufferings of my life God allowed to occur. I even can see the fruit from the death of my 33-year-old son two-and-a-half years ago. Today I am a saint, sanctified and being sanctified in Christ. Today I can mouthe the words of David:

“O love the Lord, all ye his saints; for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Ps. 31:23,24.

I long to praise Him. I long to always say the right things that bring glory to His name. I so wish my tongue only spoke blessings, encouragement and comfort. For truly, I testify to you my readers, friends, brothers and sisters–God is faithful. He is beyond good to me. I pray as you share in the sufferings of our Savior that you glory in them and entrust them to His keeping. He has a plan. A great plan for you. selahV

NOTE: FOR my thoughts on further afflictions click on AFFLICTIONS: WHAT A BLESSING!