True faith from Christ Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2, Jude 1:3-4) comes through persistent, assuring prayer, according to Jesus’ parable, in Luke 18:1-8, where a widow ask an unjust judge to give her protection from an adversary, but the noncaring, unfair, God-hating judge, refused her request, so the widow “prayed day and night”; thus, God kept the widow’s request in the judge’s mind, “day and night”, until he could not stand any more of it, so he granted her request, and Jesus says this is the kind of faith He will be looking for when He comes—faith-praying until the answer comes, which means “the prayer of faith” is essential and not an option (James 5:13-20).
This is the kind of faith James 1:2-8 says mature Christians have, so we experience God’s Power and Wisdom; who 1 Corinthians 1:24 says is Christ Jesus, and who Proverbs 3:19-35 says will protect us, who are victorious Christians, members of His body, the church, so we live daily in overcoming joy, making our home a “temple of normal joyous, peaceful laughter”.
Proverbs 3:19-35 (NLT)—19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding He created the heavens. 20 By His knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. 21 My child, do not lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, 22 for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. 23 They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. 24 You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. 25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, 26 for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. 27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to help them. 28 If you can help your neighbor now, do not say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I will help you.” 29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you. 30 Do not pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm. 31 Do not envy violent people or copy their ways. 32 Such wicked people are detestable to the LORD, but He offers His friendship to the godly. 33 The LORD curses the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the upright. 34 The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!
Proverbs 3:19-20, we just read, is amazing truth, for it says, in verses 19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding He created the heavens. 20 By His knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
It is amazing truth because Romans 11:34-36 gives us understanding every created thing was through, to, and for Christ Jesus, God’s Knowledge, Power, and Wisdom, and 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 says, through our Lord Jesus Christ are all things, and we live through Him (Galatians 2:20); therefore, we must not ask for special comfort-zone-favors, but ask for God’s will, through Christ Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, to be done, so we can know our part in God’s will being done.
God has much more for us than we can understand; therefore, we must trust and thank Him. Yes, God has a plan, purpose, and timing for every detail of life, but persistent faith holds onto God’s promises, with trust, thanks, as we waits to experience God’s promises, for Jesus says, in Mark 11:22-24, when in prayer, we believe we already have what God promises, then we will have that for which we believe—if we do not give up in doubt and disbelief.
Jim Nabors
