As we have studied, we are dear children of God, made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27, NIV), and this includes powerful benefits of allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, conquering all evil around us, setting people free, and living in abundance—lacking nothing. “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Romans 8:14, NIV). Through the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, we are equipped to overcome evil: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NIV). We are empowered to bring freedom to others: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” (Isaiah 61:1, NIV).
As God’s children, we are also called to live in His abundance: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV). We lack nothing because “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1, NIV).
Learning scriptures like “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” (Mark 11:23, NIV), or “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NIV), strengthens our faith and reminds us of God’s promises. We stand firm on His Word, knowing that “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, NKJV), and that “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38, NIV).
These promises are unshakable because “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19, NIV). Let us immerse ourselves in these truths, allowing God’s Word to renew our minds and strengthen our faith for every battle we face. I have a dream that we as Christians learn to truly understand who we are in Christ and actually perform the miracles that the Bible says is ours. However, there have been many obstacles, poor teaching, and doubters discouraging us from believing in these Scriptures. They say that some people get healed but not everyone. We believe all the miracles in the Bible are true, but we wonder if they are true for us and those we love.
The Bible reminds us that if we pray, doubting nothing, we shall have what we say. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them” (Mark 11:23, NIV). However, when doubt enters—or if someone shares how they prayed and their prayer wasn’t answered—it can sow seeds of doubt into our situation. If these seeds are allowed to remain, we too can lose the victory. “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6, NIV).
When discouragement sets in, it can lead to hopelessness, leaving us in despair and longing for Christ’s return as a way to escape our troubles. At this point, we are spiritually trapped.
Let’s surround ourselves with like-minded Christians who dare to believe only what the Bible promises. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23-24, NIV). We must work diligently to stay encouraged in the Lord and understand that we can expect victory every time we pray according to God’s will. “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15, NIV).
WARNING: As we continue on this spiritual journey and grow in faith, we are working toward perfection. Do not feel condemned if a prayer isn’t answered as you expected. Remember what I call Plan “B”: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV). Be encouraged! As we grow into our position in Christ, more and more miracles will come to fruition.
WARNING! Do not let the devil take this devotional and use it to condemn you, making you feel as though you aren’t good enough. “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, NIV). The Holy Spirit gently convicts us when we need to redirect our steps, but the devil condemns, yelling lies into our thoughts that we are failures who will never obtain God’s promises. “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44, NIV). Remember, the devil is a liar, but God’s promises are true.
Stay encouraged, stay focused, and know that victory is ours through Christ Jesus. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV).
