Serving God by Faith!
Most of us know we must serve God. Most of us desire to serve God. But most of us do not. We give many excuses which boiled down, crystallize to lack of faith. The history of the heroes of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven goes, “By faith... by faith... by faith.” By faith Noah prepared, by faith Abraham offered, by faith Moses chose to suffer. If we were to write our history—it’s anybody’s guess—“For lack of faith we refused to obey and go out, for lack of faith we hesitated to hand out tracts, for lack of faith we failed to open our mouths to testify, for lack of faith we refused to sacrifice or suffer!” In I Thessalonians 1:3 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11, ministry is called “work of faith.” Work should follow faith. In faith we should serve God. Or else our ministry will die down like fireworks. I would like to put before you eight areas where we are paralysed for lack of faith, buttressed with some of my experiences.
1. We don’t believe God can use Us.
When invited to join a ministerial program a whole lot of excuses roll out of our mouths. “You see, I am no good at it. I am plagued with painful rheumatoid... blah ... blah....blah” You think all those who serve God are healthy people? Medical science is so advanced that it has become difficult to find a normal person. Paul had a thorn in his body (2 Cor 12:7). Timothy had a chronic stomach ailment (1 Tim 5:23). Epaphroditus was so sick he almost died (Phil 2:27). But they all were serving God. Moses tried to wriggle out pointing to his stammering. Nevertheless God used them all mightily. We may quote our failures as excuses. Mark made a sloppy mistake in an otherwise promising missionary career. He joined Paul and Barnabas but could not cope with the stress of the work and he quit. Later on when he wanted to again give it a try, Paul was furious and the team split. But he was not crying over spilt milk. He wrote the Goodnews of Mark! How wonderful!
We may drown in inferiority complex because we are not highly qualified. But many of the early apostles were too. Did not God use them powerfully? Jesus had no formal education. In 1 Corinthians 2:4 and 5 Paul says that faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Are you thinking of your age? Old, young, even children can serve God. Are you worried that you don’t have a commanding personality? Paul was a short, bald man, says history. You think you are not holy enough to serve God, that your spouse or children are not a good testimony? Take courage looking at the Samaritan woman. If God did not disqualify you, do not disqualify yourself.
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father” (Jn 14:12). Jesus was restricted physically, but we have the unrestricted Holy Spirit to do more. God believes in you, but you don’t believe in God. That’s why God is not able to use you. Did Go ahead and serve God someway if you are serious about following Him.
Paul say, “I have a thorn; I cannot serve God?” God’s grace was sufficient for him and so shall it be for us. God’s strength shall be made perfect in our weakness. Don’t let the devil deceive you that God cannot use you. Where there is a will there is a way.
By faith, give yourself to God’s use!
2.We don’t believe we have the gifts of the Spirit.
I used to go to a college to lead the girls in prayer, some 30 years ago. One day when I was laying hands on the girls to receive the Holy Spirit and they were speaking in tongues, one girl was gnashing and grinding her teeth. I was told she was a demon-possessed girl. I was unnerved. But a verse flashed across my mind, “These signs will follow those who believe; in My name they will cast out demons” (Mk 16:17,18). I took courage and prayed for her, rebuking the evil spirit. Instantly she was delivered and she started to speak in tongues. That day I was bubbling with joy. That experience had a lasting impact on me. I learnt, if I believed I could cast out demons.
In Romans 12:3,6-8, we read about faith ministries. “Think soberly, as God has dealt with each one a measure of faith.” We should not try to do bombastic things, rather discern what God has given us, concentrate, train ourselves and develop along those lines. It could be prophesying, ministering, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading or showing kindness. It could also be anyone of the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. All these are spiritual gifts. Gifts like writing, singing, music and many more are not mentioned. All are given gifts and talents. I am by nature taciturn. If I am talking to people it is surely the gift of the Spirit. Do not ignore even seemingly insignificant gifts or talents. You have a talent, use it for the Lord. If you do not use it, you will surely lose it!
By faith, use the gifts and talents God has given you!
3. We don’t believe God can save a Soul.
We believe God can save a soul. But we don’t believe it can happen when we talk to someone about Christ. Once I was travelling in a train with many Iyappa devotees. I sat alone in an empty cubicle. Five of the devotees’ children were running up and down the aisle. I called them, promising to tell them stories. When they sat in front of me with wideeyed enthusiasm I started off with Genesis and ended with Revelation. They sat glued to the end and wanted to commit their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. As if under a spell they prayed and received Jesus into their hearts. They wanted to know if they can tell their parents. I got scared and told them to do it once they were back home. Anyhow they went and burst the news.
Two big burly men dressed in all black, walked in and sat opposite to me and blew their tops and I was scared witless. My lips went dry. They started a noisy and angry argument with disdain. Like a lamb reasoning with wolves I tried to calm them down at the same time tried to get the goodnews across. After half an hour of loud protests they left. I heard them say, “Go, go, aunty will tell you stories.” I continue to pray that God will send someone to water the seeds I planted. Will not God care for them? God told Moses, “They will hear your voice” (Ex 3:18).
But Moses was apprehensive. He answered, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice?” (Ex 4:1). The end was glorious. “Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses” (Ex 14:31). Your job is to preach. It is God’s job to save.
Once while waiting in an airport I saw an American man trying to convince three American ladies that Saibaba was God. He was narrating the miracles Saibaba did, animatedly.
The women were all ears. I was smarting as I overheard their discussion. I walked up begging to be included in their conversation. The bloke was happy that another fish fell into his net. He did not realize that it was a shark that will tear his net and free the fish. I asked him, “Did Saibaba forgive your sins?” He had a noplussed look, then replied,
“No.” I said, “That’s the difference between Jesus and Saibaba. Saibaba will do miracles and send you to hell. But Jesus will forgive your sins and take you to heaven.” At that, the ladies started banging their fists on the table and said, “This is what we wanted to hear.” Since our flight was announced I ran away. God saved those women from a pit and what a lift I got from that! You never know how God will use you.
By faith, share the Good News!
4. We don’t believe God can defeat the Enemy.
Believers are paralysed by fear. Everytime they attempt to testify, a spirit of fear and intimidation knocks them back down. Our greatest hindrance to preaching the gospel is the fear of the enemy. Courage is doing what you have to do even though you are afraid. So don’t let fear control you.
Once in Orissa we were taken to the police station threatened of dire consequences if we preach the gospel and sent away. Then we met the collector to get permission to do social service. She was impressed with our report and wanted to see our work. When she came, we walked with her like lions and the Sub-Inspector who shouted at us walked behind us with folded hands like a lamb! See how God inverts things! David confronted Goliath with mere stones and finished off the enemy. The Israelies were tiny grasshoppers before the Canaanite giants. The enemies mocked Nehemiah and his team that if a fox crossed over, their wall would crumble down. What could the enemy do?
After ministering in a village for more than a year an RSS leader drove us out. So we started work in the next village and reaped abundant fruit. One day I saw a familiar face in the congregation clapping and singing. When I enquired who it was our brothers said that he was the RSS leader, now saved and baptised! The war with the enemy is winnable, infact it is already won! But to tell you the truth, personally I had to work hard to keep anxiety at bay and my faith triumphant.
It is the shield of faith that will help us to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph 6:16). About Daniel it is said, “No injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God” (6:23).
By faith, defeat the enemy!
5. We don’t believe we have Time.
Actually you don’t need extra time to win souls. You can talk to people in your travel or while waiting for the doctor. Sitting in the railway station, porters can be your target. Instead of praying for souls while going by autorickshaw why not talk to the driver? Teachers can reach out to students and housewives to beggars. If you are an in-patient, walk round the ward and talk to anyone who will listen.
While Jesus was hanging on the cross He won a thief for the Kingdom. An Israeli girl was taken captive to Syria. A word from her saved the army captain Naaman. She was not weeping over the situation. She was a testimony where God put her. If Paul was put in prison the jailor would be converted. If dragged before kings, they would be presented with the gospel with passion and energy. Bloom where you are planted and don’t be prodigals of time.
Running at breakneck speed through the day, we barely find the time to serve God. It is a matter of priority. There are so many demands on our time. We need to cut down on our unnecessary sleep and TV and use the time for visiting patients or villages. The idle man is the devil’s playfellow. Life is too short to waste time. Infact we are running out of time.When you have so little time left you can’t spend it doing stupid things. You invest it in things that count. We must give God account of the time He has given us. David was a king but he wrote so many Psalms. We need to overwork because the devil neither sleeps nor slumbers. Even retired folk can use tracts wherever you go. Getting older means getting cleverer. Choose an attractive tract which people will be happy to take from your hand.
Once we were waiting in the Jorhat airport. I started talking to the police woman who was idly standing there. Her eyes became as big as saucers. “Will you tell the same to some others also?” she asked. “Fine” I said, She knocked at a door and took me in and said, “This lady wants to tell you something.” I was a bit rattled because it was the airport officials’ lounge and they were all playing cards and drinking. They offered me a chair and listened to the gospel. If you take one step, God will take you one kilometre!
Procrastination is the thief of time. You will never get the time again. So if you are planning for a ministry, start right away.
By faith, use every available minute!
6.We don’t believe we can work with Others.
Ever got frazzled working with others? “Why problem? Let me work alone” is our attitude. Jesus taught us a very important principle in ministry in Luke 17:1-6. “It is impossible that no offences should come... Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” So the Lord said, If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
When someone gives us trouble in ministry, we tell others: “Be careful about him.” But Jesus says: “Take heed to yourself.” No ministry is without problems. There will always be trouble makers. But the person we need to be careful about is our ownself, not the so and so. When we fail to fogive the offender (and that’s what happens!) the root of bitterness goes deep into our hearts and strangulates it. How can you serve God with a strangulated heart? If someone is hard to live with, in a way, we are too. So don’t paint everyone black with your brush.
The apostles truly confessed, “Lord, we don’t have enough faith to forgive our brother seven times in a single day. Please increase our faith.” We believe if we forgive him he will stab us in the back. We need more faith to believe he will not do it, or to say, “What if he stabs?”
What is this mulberry tree Jesus is talking about? Is it the offender or the problem? I believe it is the tree grown from the root of bitterness. If we have the mustard seed faith we can uproot our bitterness, throw it away, join hands and work with our offending brothers and sisters. Never stop working with others for God’s Kingdom. Wisdom in life is to learn to live with various types of personalities.
By faith, forgive and hold hands!
7. We don’t believe Prayer is Powerful.
Once while I was praying with the Friends Focus magazine in front of me I read, “Pray for our missionaries who are asked to leave their village. Some of the natives of the village were killed by tigers. The people have gone to the collector and complained that their tiger god is angry at the presence of Christians.” I prayed thinking, “It’s happening somewhere in some jungle. What will my prayer do?” Two weeks later two missionaries from the Friends Missionary Prayer Band (whose magazine is Friends Focus) shared their testimony in our Headquarters office. This is what they said: “Tigers killed some people in our village. The people went to the collector and complained: Our tiger god is angry with us and has killed some of us because of the presence of Christians. The collector drove them away saying: Everybody keeps his god in his house and worships. Why is your god wandering all over? Keep your god inside your house and worship him.” Oh how my heart jumped. My faith in prayer was strengthened.
God’s mobile is never engaged and the network never too busy for your call. When the disciples asked Jesus whythey could not cast out the demon, He answered, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Mt 17:20-21). Jesus had faith in prayer and that’s why He spent a lot of time in prayer. How mightily God used Him! His disciples that day and today are busy doing things for Him rather than wait for Him on their knees. Try prayer. Your ministry will lift the roof! When we work we work; when we pray God works!
“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Mt 21:22). A man is as powerful as his prayer. “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six, sharpening my axe” said Abraham Lincoln. Well, I believe prayer is the axe for my work.
By faith, pray!
8.We don’t believe we will be rewarded in Heaven.
Because we do not receive immediate rewards we are slack. If someone promises us one lakh rupees for each soul we won, we won’t even sit down to eat. Do you know we have better eternal rewards?
Jesus was not rewarded here on earth for the way He walked from street to street preaching the gospel. His rewards on earth were shame and cross. Then what made Him sweat it out? It was the “joy that was set before Him” (Heb 12:2).
“By faith Moses ... regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward (Heb 11:26).
By faith, set your eyes on the invisible reward!
“Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame” (Rom 10:11).
So make a decision, “I’m gonna believe and make a fisherman outa myself.”
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, 8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
Serving God by Faith!
Most of us know we must serve God. Most of us desire to serve God. But most of us do not. We give many excuses which boiled down, crystallize to lack of faith. The history of the heroes of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven goes, “By faith... by faith... by faith.” By faith Noah prepared, by faith Abraham offered, by faith Moses chose to suffer. If we were to write our history—it’s anybody’s guess—“For lack of faith we refused to obey and go out, for lack of faith we hesitated to hand out tracts, for lack of faith we failed to open our mouths to testify, for lack of faith we refused to sacrifice or suffer!” In I Thessalonians 1:3 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11, ministry is called “work of faith.” Work should follow faith. In faith we should serve God. Or else our ministry will die down like fireworks. I would like to put before you eight areas where we are paralysed for lack of faith, buttressed with some of my experiences.
1. We don’t believe God can use Us.
When invited to join a ministerial program a whole lot of excuses roll out of our mouths. “You see, I am no good at it. I am plagued with painful rheumatoid... blah ... blah....blah” You think all those who serve God are healthy people? Medical science is so advanced that it has become difficult to find a normal person. Paul had a thorn in his body (2 Cor 12:7). Timothy had a chronic stomach ailment (1 Tim 5:23). Epaphroditus was so sick he almost died (Phil 2:27). But they all were serving God. Moses tried to wriggle out pointing to his stammering. Nevertheless God used them all mightily. We may quote our failures as excuses. Mark made a sloppy mistake in an otherwise promising missionary career. He joined Paul and Barnabas but could not cope with the stress of the work and he quit. Later on when he wanted to again give it a try, Paul was furious and the team split. But he was not crying over spilt milk. He wrote the Goodnews of Mark! How wonderful!
We may drown in inferiority complex because we are not highly qualified. But many of the early apostles were too. Did not God use them powerfully? Jesus had no formal education. In 1 Corinthians 2:4 and 5 Paul says that faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Are you thinking of your age? Old, young, even children can serve God. Are you worried that you don’t have a commanding personality? Paul was a short, bald man, says history. You think you are not holy enough to serve God, that your spouse or children are not a good testimony? Take courage looking at the Samaritan woman. If God did not disqualify you, do not disqualify yourself.
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do because I go to My Father” (Jn 14:12). Jesus was restricted physically, but we have the unrestricted Holy Spirit to do more. God believes in you, but you don’t believe in God. That’s why God is not able to use you. Did Go ahead and serve God someway if you are serious about following Him.
Paul say, “I have a thorn; I cannot serve God?” God’s grace was sufficient for him and so shall it be for us. God’s strength shall be made perfect in our weakness. Don’t let the devil deceive you that God cannot use you. Where there is a will there is a way.
By faith, give yourself to God’s use!
2.We don’t believe we have the gifts of the Spirit.
I used to go to a college to lead the girls in prayer, some 30 years ago. One day when I was laying hands on the girls to receive the Holy Spirit and they were speaking in tongues, one girl was gnashing and grinding her teeth. I was told she was a demon-possessed girl. I was unnerved. But a verse flashed across my mind, “These signs will follow those who believe; in My name they will cast out demons” (Mk 16:17,18). I took courage and prayed for her, rebuking the evil spirit. Instantly she was delivered and she started to speak in tongues. That day I was bubbling with joy. That experience had a lasting impact on me. I learnt, if I believed I could cast out demons.
In Romans 12:3,6-8, we read about faith ministries. “Think soberly, as God has dealt with each one a measure of faith.” We should not try to do bombastic things, rather discern what God has given us, concentrate, train ourselves and develop along those lines. It could be prophesying, ministering, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading or showing kindness. It could also be anyone of the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. All these are spiritual gifts. Gifts like writing, singing, music and many more are not mentioned. All are given gifts and talents. I am by nature taciturn. If I am talking to people it is surely the gift of the Spirit. Do not ignore even seemingly insignificant gifts or talents. You have a talent, use it for the Lord. If you do not use it, you will surely lose it!
By faith, use the gifts and talents God has given you!
3. We don’t believe God can save a Soul.
We believe God can save a soul. But we don’t believe it can happen when we talk to someone about Christ. Once I was travelling in a train with many Iyappa devotees. I sat alone in an empty cubicle. Five of the devotees’ children were running up and down the aisle. I called them, promising to tell them stories. When they sat in front of me with wideeyed enthusiasm I started off with Genesis and ended with Revelation. They sat glued to the end and wanted to commit their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. As if under a spell they prayed and received Jesus into their hearts. They wanted to know if they can tell their parents. I got scared and told them to do it once they were back home. Anyhow they went and burst the news.
Two big burly men dressed in all black, walked in and sat opposite to me and blew their tops and I was scared witless. My lips went dry. They started a noisy and angry argument with disdain. Like a lamb reasoning with wolves I tried to calm them down at the same time tried to get the goodnews across. After half an hour of loud protests they left. I heard them say, “Go, go, aunty will tell you stories.” I continue to pray that God will send someone to water the seeds I planted. Will not God care for them? God told Moses, “They will hear your voice” (Ex 3:18).
But Moses was apprehensive. He answered, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice?” (Ex 4:1). The end was glorious. “Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses” (Ex 14:31). Your job is to preach. It is God’s job to save.
Once while waiting in an airport I saw an American man trying to convince three American ladies that Saibaba was God. He was narrating the miracles Saibaba did, animatedly.
The women were all ears. I was smarting as I overheard their discussion. I walked up begging to be included in their conversation. The bloke was happy that another fish fell into his net. He did not realize that it was a shark that will tear his net and free the fish. I asked him, “Did Saibaba forgive your sins?” He had a noplussed look, then replied,
“No.” I said, “That’s the difference between Jesus and Saibaba. Saibaba will do miracles and send you to hell. But Jesus will forgive your sins and take you to heaven.” At that, the ladies started banging their fists on the table and said, “This is what we wanted to hear.” Since our flight was announced I ran away. God saved those women from a pit and what a lift I got from that! You never know how God will use you.
By faith, share the Good News!
4. We don’t believe God can defeat the Enemy.
Believers are paralysed by fear. Everytime they attempt to testify, a spirit of fear and intimidation knocks them back down. Our greatest hindrance to preaching the gospel is the fear of the enemy. Courage is doing what you have to do even though you are afraid. So don’t let fear control you.
Once in Orissa we were taken to the police station threatened of dire consequences if we preach the gospel and sent away. Then we met the collector to get permission to do social service. She was impressed with our report and wanted to see our work. When she came, we walked with her like lions and the Sub-Inspector who shouted at us walked behind us with folded hands like a lamb! See how God inverts things! David confronted Goliath with mere stones and finished off the enemy. The Israelies were tiny grasshoppers before the Canaanite giants. The enemies mocked Nehemiah and his team that if a fox crossed over, their wall would crumble down. What could the enemy do?
After ministering in a village for more than a year an RSS leader drove us out. So we started work in the next village and reaped abundant fruit. One day I saw a familiar face in the congregation clapping and singing. When I enquired who it was our brothers said that he was the RSS leader, now saved and baptised! The war with the enemy is winnable, infact it is already won! But to tell you the truth, personally I had to work hard to keep anxiety at bay and my faith triumphant.
It is the shield of faith that will help us to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph 6:16). About Daniel it is said, “No injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God” (6:23).
By faith, defeat the enemy!
5. We don’t believe we have Time.
Actually you don’t need extra time to win souls. You can talk to people in your travel or while waiting for the doctor. Sitting in the railway station, porters can be your target. Instead of praying for souls while going by autorickshaw why not talk to the driver? Teachers can reach out to students and housewives to beggars. If you are an in-patient, walk round the ward and talk to anyone who will listen.
While Jesus was hanging on the cross He won a thief for the Kingdom. An Israeli girl was taken captive to Syria. A word from her saved the army captain Naaman. She was not weeping over the situation. She was a testimony where God put her. If Paul was put in prison the jailor would be converted. If dragged before kings, they would be presented with the gospel with passion and energy. Bloom where you are planted and don’t be prodigals of time.
Running at breakneck speed through the day, we barely find the time to serve God. It is a matter of priority. There are so many demands on our time. We need to cut down on our unnecessary sleep and TV and use the time for visiting patients or villages. The idle man is the devil’s playfellow. Life is too short to waste time. Infact we are running out of time.When you have so little time left you can’t spend it doing stupid things. You invest it in things that count. We must give God account of the time He has given us. David was a king but he wrote so many Psalms. We need to overwork because the devil neither sleeps nor slumbers. Even retired folk can use tracts wherever you go. Getting older means getting cleverer. Choose an attractive tract which people will be happy to take from your hand.
Once we were waiting in the Jorhat airport. I started talking to the police woman who was idly standing there. Her eyes became as big as saucers. “Will you tell the same to some others also?” she asked. “Fine” I said, She knocked at a door and took me in and said, “This lady wants to tell you something.” I was a bit rattled because it was the airport officials’ lounge and they were all playing cards and drinking. They offered me a chair and listened to the gospel. If you take one step, God will take you one kilometre!
Procrastination is the thief of time. You will never get the time again. So if you are planning for a ministry, start right away.
By faith, use every available minute!
6.We don’t believe we can work with Others.
Ever got frazzled working with others? “Why problem? Let me work alone” is our attitude. Jesus taught us a very important principle in ministry in Luke 17:1-6. “It is impossible that no offences should come... Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” So the Lord said, If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
When someone gives us trouble in ministry, we tell others: “Be careful about him.” But Jesus says: “Take heed to yourself.” No ministry is without problems. There will always be trouble makers. But the person we need to be careful about is our ownself, not the so and so. When we fail to fogive the offender (and that’s what happens!) the root of bitterness goes deep into our hearts and strangulates it. How can you serve God with a strangulated heart? If someone is hard to live with, in a way, we are too. So don’t paint everyone black with your brush.
The apostles truly confessed, “Lord, we don’t have enough faith to forgive our brother seven times in a single day. Please increase our faith.” We believe if we forgive him he will stab us in the back. We need more faith to believe he will not do it, or to say, “What if he stabs?”
What is this mulberry tree Jesus is talking about? Is it the offender or the problem? I believe it is the tree grown from the root of bitterness. If we have the mustard seed faith we can uproot our bitterness, throw it away, join hands and work with our offending brothers and sisters. Never stop working with others for God’s Kingdom. Wisdom in life is to learn to live with various types of personalities.
By faith, forgive and hold hands!
7. We don’t believe Prayer is Powerful.
Once while I was praying with the Friends Focus magazine in front of me I read, “Pray for our missionaries who are asked to leave their village. Some of the natives of the village were killed by tigers. The people have gone to the collector and complained that their tiger god is angry at the presence of Christians.” I prayed thinking, “It’s happening somewhere in some jungle. What will my prayer do?” Two weeks later two missionaries from the Friends Missionary Prayer Band (whose magazine is Friends Focus) shared their testimony in our Headquarters office. This is what they said: “Tigers killed some people in our village. The people went to the collector and complained: Our tiger god is angry with us and has killed some of us because of the presence of Christians. The collector drove them away saying: Everybody keeps his god in his house and worships. Why is your god wandering all over? Keep your god inside your house and worship him.” Oh how my heart jumped. My faith in prayer was strengthened.
God’s mobile is never engaged and the network never too busy for your call. When the disciples asked Jesus whythey could not cast out the demon, He answered, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Mt 17:20-21). Jesus had faith in prayer and that’s why He spent a lot of time in prayer. How mightily God used Him! His disciples that day and today are busy doing things for Him rather than wait for Him on their knees. Try prayer. Your ministry will lift the roof! When we work we work; when we pray God works!
“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Mt 21:22). A man is as powerful as his prayer. “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six, sharpening my axe” said Abraham Lincoln. Well, I believe prayer is the axe for my work.
By faith, pray!
8.We don’t believe we will be rewarded in Heaven.
Because we do not receive immediate rewards we are slack. If someone promises us one lakh rupees for each soul we won, we won’t even sit down to eat. Do you know we have better eternal rewards?
Jesus was not rewarded here on earth for the way He walked from street to street preaching the gospel. His rewards on earth were shame and cross. Then what made Him sweat it out? It was the “joy that was set before Him” (Heb 12:2).
“By faith Moses ... regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward (Heb 11:26).
By faith, set your eyes on the invisible reward!
“Whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame” (Rom 10:11).
So make a decision, “I’m gonna believe and make a fisherman outa myself.”
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91-416-2242943, +91-416-2248943
hq@bymonline.org
www.bymonline.org
Click here for more options
To buy books written by Dr. Lilian Stanley, kindly reach to us in the follwing address
Blessing Literature Centre
21/11 West Coovam River Road,
Chintadripet,
Chennai 600 002, India.
+91-44-28450411, Mob:8806270699
blc@bymonline.org
