Life can deliver many challenges to us. Some are those we handle on our own – like the car breaking down, an unexpected bill, a child with the flu. All kind of typical for most folks.
However, we also have times when we’re faced with a problem (or problems) that we feel could crush us. That’s when the worry factor soars and the sleepless nights persist.
But here’s the truth about you, me, and anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ. We have an option to handle all life situations differently, whether big or small. We have the choice. We can rely on our own wits and perhaps assistance from friends and family. Or we can turn to God and invoke His ways and His laws. And when we trust in Him then freedom always comes.
Here is what Jesus says we are to do when we’re faced with a problem (He calls the challenge a mountain):
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Mark 11:23
He also says, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
Sounds promising, right? But do we really believe what Jesus is telling us to do? Do we trust Him? Can we move into a new way of operating and not have doubt in our hearts, but instead only believe?
That’s what we’re called to do. And we can do it if we choose to step into the kingdom of God way of living and trust the Lord and His Word.
Over and over again, Jesus teaches us to use our words to declare God’s truth in our lives. He tells us to ask. He tells us to say. He tells us to speak. And when we do our part, He promises to do His! He will stand as our Advocate and plead our case with our Father. He will see that whatever was won on the cross will be given to us, when we believe.
So our part is to speak to the mountain. Declare the truth over our lives. And trust in God that what He says in His Word will come to pass.
Too Simple? Too Strange?
What keeps us from following the ways of the Lord? Does it seem too simplistic? Does speaking things into existent seem too odd and too far-fetched? Actually, all of that is true . . . from a worldly point of view. But we’re not to think like the world. Instead, we are to trust in God and submit our way of thinking to His way of thinking.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:32-24
Are you ready to get into God’s Word and see how His kingdom operates? Are you willing to trust Him and even if what He says seems a little odd — according to the ways of the world — you’ll follow the ways of the Lord?
Do you have a mountain of a problem challenging you today? Does God’s Word promise you a different outcome? If so, what does Jesus say to do? He says you are to speak to that mountain and tell it to get out of your life. And believe you receive when you declare the truth of God!
Trust until God performs His Word. Keep trusting. Keep believing that the solution is already on its way. Keep declaring. Keep choosing God’s ways. And then celebrate when what you’ve already received through your trust in God and it manifests in the natural!
That is the way of the Lord and the way of our faith!
Have you had a time when you’ve used the ways of the Lord to receive what you need in your life? Please share your stories of faith to build the faith of others!