WHEN YOU BELIEVE, IT IS SHOWN BY YOUR DEEDS

Matthew 21:22
Everything is possible when we believe and go to God in prayer. However, things do not stop there. Our faith has to be accompanied by righteous deeds.

James 2:19
We need to act on our faith, otherwise our faith is dead. Sometimes we wait for signs in order to stand up and do something. That is not God's intention for us. As each of us becomes a man or woman who believes, the following will describe you:

1. YOU WILL BE PERSISTENT

Matthew 15:21-28
Why didn't Jesus respond at once? If he grants us what we want immediately, our faith will not grow. This woman grew more persistent, and our attitude should be similar in all situations, becoming fruitful, following up on the weak, looking for employment, and in matters that concern our family members, neighbours, work colleagues, schoolmates, etc.

Q. If you were this woman, at what point would you have stopped?

Learn to be persistent even when you do not see results. Aim to learn from everything.

2. YOU WILL OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Matthew 21:21
To Jesus' disciples, the fig tree's withering was amazing, but to Christ even mountains could be moved. Picture a mountain in your mind - so huge, immovable, permanent, intimidating. There are situations in our lives that have become mountains, e.g. recurrent sin, character issues, problematic children, joblessness, and they see to never end.

Q. Do you believe that God can and will change them, or have you stopped praying? What's your mountain? Make a list, start praying about it and act on it.

3. YOU WILL NOT COMPROMISE

Daniel 3:14-18; 24-26
These three had faith that God would save them even from a blazing furnace. It was, however, the first experience of its nature.

Q. How do you hold up under new, challenging circumstances? Do you stand firm or give in to slander, forgery, bribery, cheating in exams, seduction? Do you try to "fit in?"

Stand your ground. You are not helpless. God will save you, even if it means losing your job, reputation or friends. He will give you other ones.

4. YOU WILL GIVE SACRIFICIALLY

Mark 12:41-42
Widows used to be taken care of, so this woman needed to be given to. What negative thoughts could have run through her mind? What is your excuse today for not giving sacrificially? Is it your responsibilities, your lack of a good job?

Q. How is your faith in the area of giving?

The widow could have worried about "tomorrow" or her "insignificant" contribution, but she didn't. Let us imitate her. Special contribution is coming up. Would Jesus commend your efforts? You can change and give wholeheartedly, trusting in God.

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