Otis T. McMillan ~ Faith, Defeat, & Expectation
True faith is demonstrated with obedience: what you cannot see, God does.
“And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” – `Luke 17:12-141
Ten lepers sought the Lord for healing. He directed them, while lepers, to show themselves to the priest. His response seemed illogical, but they obeyed. Their act of faith resulted in their healing. What they could not see, God did.
There will be times in your walk that the Lord will direct you to take steps that appear illogical. You will not be able to imagine how your behavior will result in a positive manner. Recognizing that God sees what you cannot, demonstrate your faith with obedience.
Even when defeat seems certain, pray: through prayer you can make a difference.
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord.” – Isaiah 38:1-2
Hezekiah was told by the prophet Isaiah that he was going to die. In spite of the fact that the source of the message was the Lord, the King refused to accept it. He chose rather to pray and through his prayers the outcome was altered. Fifteen years were added to his life.
Each of us faces negative circumstances that seem to be final. When you face this type of situation you have two choices; you can accept defeat or you can pray. With the understanding that you have and the opportunity to impact the outcome, pray. Your prayers can make a difference.
Don’t limit what God has in store for you: let your faith display your expectation.
“Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.” – 2 Kings 4:3
Elisha responded to the cries of a widow whose husband left her with their two sons and a mountain of debt. After inquiring of what she had in the house, finding out she had a small pot of oil, the prophet instructed her to borrow other jars; emphasizing, not a few. She obeyed. Every pot that was borrowed was filled with the oil from the small jar.
Your faith should be displayed with expectation. As God directs you, respond with action that will bring forth abundance. Do not limit what God has in store for you.