"while we do not look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV
Faith tells us to look at things that are not seen, this is what faith is all about. If it is raining outside, we don't pray that it will rain, it already is doing. However, if we are having a drought, that is the time to pray for rain and, believe that we have received it before it happens Mark 11:22-24.
2 Corinthians 5:7 says, 'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' This is basically telling you the same. Faith is receiving something before it comes to you. Jesus did it all the time and His word shows you to do the same. However, it is so easy to disqualify yourself. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, 'Therefore I run thus, not with uncertainty. Thus I fight, not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.'
You have to watch the doubt. It will squash your faith every time. Mark 11:23 says, 'For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, be removed and be cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.' There it is in a nutshell, Jesus' words not to doubt. When you do this, you can say goodbye to what you have asked for - believing - in prayer.
Be careful though, just because you have the faith and ask believing, with no doubt in your heart, this does not mean that you will have what you ask for straightaway. Jesus didn't say that. He said that you will have whatever you ask for but there was no promise of when this would take place. And, this is where people begin to doubt. Initially, you can be all fired up believing in prayer. However, after a little while of waiting, it is like the devil whispers in your ear, 'it will never come, give up.' If you have shared what you have asked for with someone, their faith may not be as strong as yours, and so, they can easily say, 'I think you may have this wrong, you know.' Again, doubt enters in. Remember Jesus' words to Jairus, 'Do not be afraid, only believe' Matthew 5:36.
You are called to walk by faith but, you have to exercise patience and stand firm throughout the ordeal of waiting. The word to Habakkuk was, Though it tarries, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry.' 2:3.
If you believe that God is answering your prayer of faith, don't give up and disqualify yourself. Keep believing. It will come.
Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
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