PRAYER OF FAITH

Scripture reference, Luke 23:39-43

When we pray without faith, we should know that we will not receive any answer to our prayers. Having faith and hope is different. Faith is in the present. Hope is in the future. Faith is now. 

The thief that was being crucified with Jesus Christ had faith. He could have thought like the other thief: why are you- the Son of God- here with us and being crucified; why can’t you save yourself?" In the pain that Christ was experiencing, He told him, Today (not tomorrow), I will be with you in paradise. In the midst of His judgment and punishment, Jesus changed his sentence for eternity. He told him- don't worry about the judgment you have received from men because today I am going to end your suffering.

Faith brings forth what your eyes cannot see to the present, and you live it. It materializes it.  There is another type of faith described in Luke 17: 11-14. It says: "Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.” These lepers were healed as they went and obeyed the word of the Lord. It was not when people were looking but People only saw the results of their faith.

Faith has nothing to do with what we see. Faith brings victory before we live it out. Goliath was killed by David, when David was talking to Saul. He told Saul: “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.” (1 Samuel 17:36). By Faith, his confession came to pass.

In the same way, don’t look at all the mountains or the giants standing before you and think: “oh, I still have to fight them”. But realize in faith that you have already conquered over them. Thomas refused to believe that Christ had resurrected from dead when he was told by the other disciples and when Jesus appeared to Him, He was disappointed by His faith.

The Time for God to Act is the time When you believe. More than 2000 years ago, our savior received the victory and gave it to us. But many believers today continue to wait for some other victory. There is no other victory aside from the Victory that Christ received on the cross. He has already finished the battle for us. Victory is ours. You don’t have to fight with Satan, because He has been defeated! (Read Colossians 2:14-15). Don't give him the place or authority that He doesn't have any more. All the power now has been given to you by the King who overcame-conquered and Won.

 Pastor Christophe