Opportunities to Walk by Faith

J. A. Matteson

To walk by faith we must learn to divorce that which is truth from plausible alternatives; "But David's heart had struck him after he had numbered the people" (2 Sam. 24:10). The siren call of darkness is relentless upon the heart of a child of God. David knew that the LORD was able to save by many or few (1 Sam. 14:6). And yet in a state of spiritual weakness fear gripped his heart so that his trust shifted from the all powerful Yahweh to himself; David was walking by sight and not by faith by numbering the people. The striking of David's heart was the conviction of the Holy Spirit that he had sinned. David confessed his sin and repented. Everyday we are given opportunities to walk by faith and not by sight. How do we do it? By remaining in or abiding in Christ who warns us, "Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me" (Jn. 15:4). How do we abide? By earnestly seeking Christ daily through His word, prayer, meditation, worship, obedience, and service. Further, know that each day will present opportunities for you to demonstrate faith in what you know to be true (The explicit revealed truth of God--scripture). The world, the flesh and the devil will juxtapose your perception of your circumstance against the truth of scripture, enticing you to doubt with your senses what your mind knows to be true. It is in that moment you rebuke the satanic lie tempting you to walk by sight (for it may appear to be the most reasonable course of action!) and step out in faith upon the promise of God's word. Then when the test has passed and the faithfulness of God is revealed your faith is stronger to engage future tests because you have proven the faithfulness of God's word in your heart. With joyful thanksgiving give praise, glory, and honor to the LORD who enabled you to prevail, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" (Jude 24).

Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8

Your Hiding Place

J. A. Matteson

Look no further than the word of God to find truth, for in it your soul is nourished and Your spirit strengthened; "This God--His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him" (2 Sam. 22:31). That which is sure, that which is correct, that which is steadfast and altogether supreme is in the way of the LORD, His statutes are delightful and trustworthy. In the day of testing withstand the temptation to seek protection in another, "This God--His way is perfect." David knew His God by seeking Him, obeying Him, trusting Him, worshiping Him, praising Him. Oh Christian, distractions to devotion of our LORD abound, but do not say in your heart that they are more plentiful today than in David's time. The lust of the eyes and the pride of life know no bounds, infecting the desires and judgement of sinners from generation to generation. David made his choice, resolving to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, "...the word of the LORD proves true." Only through faith and obedience to the word of God can one confidently make that declaration. Shut out the satanic whisper, "Did God really say...?" Abandon your plight to the sovereign care of the LORD, make the rock if His fortress your hiding place. Entrust your way to the mighty power of His providential oversight and He will deliver you, for He cares for you. Do not act as the adultress by giving your affections to another. Delight yourself in the LORD your God and He will exalt you in His time.

Copyright 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever.") Isa. 40:8