Some animals have this innate ability to play dead. Possums can convince the untrained eye out of survival. I’ve even seen dogs play dead in order to try to avoid baths or kennel time, which is rather cute if you ask me. However, what we may have not considered or recognized is the times when we’re playing dead. Our lives may look like they’re crucified with Christ and we’re in faith, but our hearts aren’t fully convinced. Playing dead is about looking the part, doing the right things such as praying, Bible reading, attending church but not actually completely surrendering or being full of faith!
Little, short-lived, inaccurate faith has paralyzed much of the church. It’s created great assemblies of beautiful people, but little demonstration of the supernatural can be found. Each of us must face unbelief in our own hearts head on, rather then refusing to acknowledge the possibility of its existence. We must take God at His Word seeing to it that any wavering area of doubt is pulled up and completely removed. Doubting means being in two minds or having half a heart. Faith is being fully convinced! Are you fully convinced of God’s goodness, faithfulness, power and willingness to heal, cleanse, restore, etc?
GREAT FAITH
Great faith overcomes obstacles! It’s not based on feelings, in fact our feelings are often all over the place. Great Faith is based on God’s goodness and His Word!
Jesus marveled two times in scripture. In both situations it related to faith or the lack of it. Once was in Mark 6:5-6 because of the people’s unbelief.
The second time was in Matthew 8:8-9 when a centurion told Jesus, “Speak the WORD and I know my servant will be healed!” Jesus offered to go to his house to heal him, but this man went on to explain to Jesus that he knew it wasn’t necessary because he understood how authority works. All he had to do was speak a word and it would be done! Again, Jesus was astonished and said he hadn’t see such faith! The Word has been given to us as well! Are we waiting for more proof to believe?
HIGHEST FORM OF FAITH
Jesus responded, “Thomas, now that you’ve seen me, you believe. But there are those who have never seen me with their eyes but have believed in me with their hearts, and they will be blessed even more!””
John 20:29 TPT
Jesus placed a greater blessing on those who believe without seeing then those who believe because they have seen. In other words, those who are looking for circumstances to confirm their faith will fail when the strong battle of unbelief comes. Faith that takes Him at His Word is the highest form of faith!
QUESTIONS:
1. It takes courage to move forward in faith, great risk can be involved such as when the Israelites were needing to cross the Red Sea. When was the last time you took great risk to move forward in faith? Are you facing this battle right now?
2. Have you ever struggled with doubt or unbelief? How did you overcome? Was repentance part of the process?
3. Speaking Gods Word rather than what we may feel is very important in walking in Faith. How have you applied this to your life?
