Scriptural Foundation:
Hebrews 11:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Romans 8:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Reflection:
We are our own worst enemies. Yup, you heard that right…we are our own worst enemy. The devil can do nothing to us, unless we allow him access. The Bible is clear:
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. – Galatians 5:19-21
If we are cultivating any of these works in our hearts, we are exposing ourselves to the wiles of the enemy. Jesus told His disciples that we are going to the other side. He meant it literally and figuratively. A lot happened in the middle of their boat trips – Jesus on water (Matthew 14:22-33) and rebuked the storm (Mark 4:35-41).
In both instances, Jesus commented on their faith. His disciples despite several miracle mile markers in His ministry, they chose not to believe His words, but default back to their religious roots – tangible and predictable rules and regulations (i.e. a Carnal Christian). Their lack of belief and application of the Jesus’ parables was like drilling holes in their personal faith vessels (personal ministries/testimonies).
A boat full of holes will not get us to our desired destination. Instead, we must take the time (prayer time) in the Lord to address these deficiencies. By cultivating and applying the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in our lives, we not only sail from victory to victory, but the Lord can use our lives as a wonderful witness in the lost and dying world. Determine in your heart that you will put down the manual drill of the flesh and pick up the spackle* of the Word today!
Beloved, remember without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We were all given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). You may think that you don’t have faith because you can’t feel it, but that is just it, faith can’t be felt, it can only be known.
*If you are wondering what a is spackle, it is a tool used to smooth out a building material (ie. putty, cement, etc)
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- Are there holes in your faith vessel? What are they?
- What fruits of the flesh are your cultivating in that situation? What fruit of the Spirit can you replace that with?