Dare to believe

July 10, 2006

By Dan Turpin

Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.

— Mary McLeod Bethune

If God has promised it, and you dare believe it; you will have it. Charles Spurgeon described faith as an action based upon a belief and supported by the confidence that God does what He says. God never fails; He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power of His Spirit that works in us (Ephesians 3:20). Miracles are preceded by promises, and no promise of God has ever failed (2 Corinthians 1:20).

When Abraham was 75 years old and his wife, Sarah, was 65, the Lord promised to give them a son (Genesis 12:7; 15:3-6). Twenty-five years later the promise had not been fulfilled. Abraham was now 100 years old and Sarah at 90 had gone through the change of life and could not conceive children. But God said, “I will bless [Sarah] and also give you a son by her” (Genesis 17:16).

Abraham and Sarah laughed at the idea because Sarah had been barren all her life. God asked them, with some rebuke, “Is anything too hard for the Lord” (Genesis 18:14). Abraham and Sarah received God’s correction and did not waver. They were strengthened in faith and fully convinced that God would fulfill His promise to them (Romans 4:20-22). Isaac, the promised miracle, was born because they believed.

Do you believe the Lord will take care of your needs? God gave Abraham a son when it was humanly impossible for Sarah to conceive. God wants to bless and prosper you too. He has never failed to take care of His own.

Remember that miracles are preceded by promises. Numerous examples in the Bible give us confidence in God’s Word. Israel was promised a homeland, and Moses led the Israelites to that land. Jesus promised to pour out the Holy Spirit on the end-time church; it happened on the Day of Pentecost 2,000 years ago and is still happening today. God promises to save us from our sins (Romans 10:9-13). The Scriptures promise an eternal new heaven and new earth for the redeemed.

We will receive that which God promises by believing His Word. Dare to believe and see God meet your needs today.

Dan Turpin is senior pastor of West Coast Church (AG) in Englewood, Fla.