Better Believe It!

At a time when Ahaz (king of Judah) and his people were fearful because Rezin (king of Syria) and Pekah (second to the last of the kings of Israel) were in league with each other to fight against Judah, Isaiah was given a message of encouragement for Judah. In that message, these two opposing forces which had joined together were referred to as “two smoldering stumps of firebrands.” ( Isaiah 7:4) In other words, these two enemies thought they were hot stuff when in God’s eyes they were not; something God wanted Ahaz to know! And regarding the kingdom of Israel it was even revealed that “Ephraim” would be broken to pieces within sixty-five years. ( Isaiah 7:8)

Note what Ahaz and the kingdom of Judah were exhorted to possess.
“ ‘And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. IF YOU ARE NOT FIRM IN FAITH, YOU WILL NOT BE FIRM AT ALL.’ ” ( Isaiah 7:9 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads: “You do not believe me? If you want me to protect you, LEARN TO BELIEVE WHAT I SAY.” [NLT, © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.; Tyndale House]

Oh, how we need to do that; LEARN TO BELIEVE what God says. To possess such a FAITH is of paramount importance. Often we are fearful because we have not BELIEVED as we should. When we consider all the ways in which God has shown His faithfulness throughout the Scriptures, with the opportunity to read it all, we should have a FAITH that is made even more certain than those who have gone before. (note 2 Peter 1:19)

It is important for us to stand firm IN FAITH, BELIEVING what God has declared. If we don’t stand firm we will find ourselves tossed about by every storm of trial or opposition to the truth that may be thrown at us. (note James’ imagery in James 1:6) Such a one who asks without BELIEVING in what God has declared He will provide is one who is “unstable in all his ways.” ( James 1:8)

“…IF YOU ARE NOT FIRM IN FAITH, YOU WILL NOT BE FIRM AT ALL.” Those are words to take to heart. They are words we need to live by. And we had better BELIEVE it for at least two reasons: [1] because God does not lie and [2] because to BELIEVE HIM is the only way to bring stability to our lives.

Have a great day TAKING GOD AT HIS WORD!
Carl

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