Don't Give Up Part 1 by AIje Barnes - Asst. Group Pioneer

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he word of God has been burning in my heart concerning His promises and the sad truth that some of His children do not attain or receive them. Why is this? Did God not mean what He said? No! On the contrary, what God said,' He meant! God does not lie! He that has promised is faithful. Look at what the bible says: "Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. (Romans 4:20-24 NIV)"He that raised Jesus from the dead  "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:20 NIV)" So why don't we receive? Unbelief is one reason. If you say to yourself; I believe God can do this or that, but not for me, He meant it for someone else; I have asked but, since I did not get it straight away I don't think it is God's will anymore; if He has said it He will do it, maybe there is another meaning to that promise; those kind of miracles only happen to special people; oh yeah, it happened in the bible days but

these days are different, we can't see Jesus with our eyes now, so we just have to believe that He did it then. Things are different now! Or worst still, Peter did not literally walk on water maybe it was just a parable! Excuses, are a sign of unbelief dressed up in disguise, plus the lies of the devil preventing you from receiving God's promises! I encourage you to read Hebrews chapter 4 where the bible talks about unbelief that caused the children of Israel not enter into His rest even though He promised them. We are clearly advised in this passage to learn from their mistake. The opposite of unbelief is faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.  The bible says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, one comes before the other. First, the word of God, then hearing, then faith. In that order. So the steps are as follows: God has given His word, you hear it and continually hear it hence it is called hearing so you don't forget it or let it go. You confess it, profess it and keep on believing it.

That is how faith comes and brings it into being. Do you know why? This is because Jesus is the high priest of your profession so that as you are confessing and professing God's promises for you, Jesus is presenting it to our Father on our behalf and He promised that whatever we ask the Father in His name He will do it. You must abide in Him to be able to receive from Him. How? You may ask. By spending time getting to know him and his will for you. You will find this by reading His word- the bible and by asking the Holy Spirit to guide and lead you. He will. The bible says "oh taste and see that the Lord is good" it is time to stop just smelling the sweet aroma of God's word through other people's testimonies from the scriptures or another land or other christians saying to yourself "oh well it is okay for them, my case is different, I will inherit my promises when I get to heaven'. Here on earth, is where you are called to live by faith. Jesus said 'I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly' Yes God has prepared amazing things for you in heaven but as you will see them right there you will not need faith to enjoy them because you don't need faith for what you already have and can see. Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

You may say but I have prayed for a long time but still nothing has happened. Don't give up.

 Jesus said ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you. He then went on and told a story about a man who had the audacity to ask his friend for   some food at an inconvenient time for him and his family, "For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:10 NIV)"  Keep on knocking until the door opens. Pray until you know deep inside of you that God has answered you even if you can't see it. The evidence of your knowing, is the peace He will give you. From that moment on, wipe your face, change your tune and start praising and thanking Him for answering your prayers. God inhabits the praises of His people. I tell you the truth, you will inherit God's promises.

Goodness and mercy will follow you. Your song will be "you turned my mourning into dancing again, you lifted my sorrow, I can't stay silent I must sing for Your joy has come!' My dear sisters in the Lord, arise and take hold of that for which Christ has taken a hold of you for.  Abraham's blessings are yours! You are a child of faith! Step out in faith and live by faith.  Don't let the devil lie to you and steal your joy. Don't be anxious about anything but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. Find out what God has given to you and take it. Don't give up!