Dear Ones:
Henry Ironside had a very simple approach to practical Christianity. He said, “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.” Charles Spurgeon on his death-bed expressed the culmination of a life of preaching, by declaring that all can be resumed in the phrase: “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” In the tumult of circumstances, trials of life, and the blessings of life, there rings forth the resounding words of the Apostle Paul: “…I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved ME, and gave Himself for ME.” Three men, whose lives changed so many other lives, declare the same thing about this life of faith. It is based on the faithfulness, and the unchangeableness of God, and it is motivated by love, by God, who first loved us, and demonstrated and proved it in not sparing His Son. The fact is, faith is based upon the rule and reign of Christ, His authority and power, and this working through love. Regardless of what man might say or do. Christ reigns, and will reign.
When John the Baptist was put in prison, he was cut off from “the fields of air.” His circumstances were very confining, and most probably, he was physically weakened. His faith was tried as we see him questioning whether Christ was indeed the Messiah. Christ reassured Him, and this by bringing to his remembrance His marvelous works and power, authority. He reminded him in essence that He was still the coming King.
When Peter, after the resurrection, and somewhat impatient as to what was next on the agenda of God, declares to the other disciples: “…I am going fishing.” Jesus would appear on the shore, and tell the disciples to let down the net on a specific side of the boat, and this, after they had fished all night without catching anything. The demonstration of His power and authority as witnessed by the great haul of fish that the disciples had, renewed their faith in His power and authority. He demonstrated His reign, His power and authority. In both of these illustrations, we see that faith is indeed based upon the power and authority of God…His immutable power.
One last thought…Paul declared to the Corinthians that his “…speech and preaching” was in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” And then he adds, “…that your faith should NOT stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:4-5) Here is the place where we take our stand, place our feet, and refuse to be moved…in the power of God…in the reign of Christ. If we have taken Him to be our King, then His power is ours to trust in. And He shall work in and through us, “…according to His power that worketh in us.”
Love, Dad