Supplement to Ten Great Truths No. 9: We talk a lot about "faith." But what is it?
We can beat around the bush and say it's "believing" what the Lord says; but what does it mean to "believe"?
(a) It's something that the heart does: "With the heart man believes unto righteousness" (Rom. 10:10).
(b) Therefore it's a choice that the heart makes.
(c) You may not feel like believing; you may be deeply tempted to despair.
(d) It may seem impossible for you to believe--but you can CHOOSE to believe.
(e) You can join that distraught father with the devil-tormented son; Jesus had said to him, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth" (Mark 9:23).
(f) That was like dangling a wonderful prize before the poor man, but something out of reach; just teasing him, as it were.
(g) But the dear Lord doesn't tease anyone; He was serious with the poor man: if he will simply BELIEVE, all things will be possible.
(h) That is, his poor child can be healed of being tormented by the devil. A miracle is possible!
(i) But how can you believe when it seems impossible?
(j) Answer: You can CHOOSE to believe!
(k) That puts the Lord on the spot: He has promised to respond to your cry; hold Him to it! He loves for you to remind Him of His promise and to hang on by faith.
(l) Yes, there is waiting involved: "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" [that is, while you are still alive]. So ...
(m) "Wait on the Lord: BE of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:13, 14).
(n) Very well, but how long must you wait?
(o) Not a moment longer than is necessary for the growth and strengthening of your faith in the Lord, wherein is your salvation.
(p) Remember, the Lord is infinite: to Him you are as the only person in the world, and He gives you the full richness of His loving attention.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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