Beloved brothers and sisters, today we read from 2 Peter 1:1–8 and are reminded of how easily we can become blinded by the worries of this world. But, if we open our hearts to God, we will see He has a more excellent plan for us than we could ever imagine. God desires to make the impossible possible for us, and when we allow God to have complete control over our lives, all the things that were once confusing and mysterious become clear.
This precious faith that Peter writes about is a gift from God that is available to each one of us. And I believe God wants us to receive this gift so that we may conquer kingdoms, do righteousness, and even silence the lions if the time comes. We can triumph in all circumstances with faith because our confidence is not in ourselves but in God alone. Those who are full of faith always have a good reputation, never complain, and are always in a place of victory because they are not following human order but divine order, as God dwells within them.
However, there may be some hindrances in our lives that God needs to address before we can fully embrace this precious faith. I know I've felt like I've gone through a thousand roadblocks in mylife. But there is no other way to reach the deep things of God than through a broken spirit. And, once we are broken, God can do more for us than we could ever ask or imagine because we allow Christ to take control.
We understand God through His Word. We cannot understand God through feelings or impressions. To honestly know God, we must know Him through His Word. We know we will be in heaven, not because of our emotions, but because of what God's Word says, and we believe it. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17.
In Mark 11:24, we read, "Whatsoever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive it, and you shall have it." Mountains will be moved, and difficulties will be cleared, and this can only happen when we have a real and working relationship with God. We must know God, be able to converse with Him and understand His will for us so that our prayers are always in line with it.
When this precious faith becomes a part of us, it will give us the courage to do anything. God wants daring people who are strong in Him and willing to take risks. So, how do we reach this level of faith? Letting go of our thoughts and embracing the views of God, the Word of God. If we build our foundation on our imaginations, we will be led astray. But with the Word of God, we have everything we need.
A man once said, "Never compare this book to other books. Comparisons are dangerous. Never think or say that this book contains the Word of God. It is the Word of God. It is supernatural in origin, eternal in duration, priceless in value, infinite in scope, regenerative in power, infallible in authority, universal in interest, personal in application, inspired in its entirety." So, let us read it, write it down, pray it, live it, and pass it on.
When we fully embrace the Word of God and receive the Spirit who inspired it, it will transform us. Our minds will be changed, our character will be converted, and we will move from grace to grace, becoming inheritors of the very nature of God. God will come to dwell within us, walk with us, and talk through us.
My dear friends, the like precious faith is available to us all. It's a gift from God, and all we have to do is receive it by faith. And when we do, it will change our lives forever, making us inheritors of the nature of God, and giving us the power to do exploits for His kingdom. So let us open our hearts to receive this gift and dare to do great things for God. Amen.