Mix Faith with God’s Word

   “For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the Word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2 NKJV

   When I went to see my eye doctor for a long-overdue checkup, he asked me if I had been experiencing any eyestrain or headaches since I last saw him.  I told him that I thought I might need new eyeglasses.  That’s when he told me that my prescription was too strong for me.  “You mean, my vision has improved?”  “I mean that you are less nearsighted now than you were before.”  “Thank You, Jesus!” 

   My paternal grandmother lived with me and my family the entire time I was growing up.  I watched her go blind from multiple eye diseases, so my parents made sure that my sisters and I always got good eye care.  I began wearing eyeglasses by the time that I was 10 years old.  Over the years, my vision has gotten worse.  When I got serious about my relationship with the Lord, and began devoting myself to His Word, I decided to start praying God’s promises over my vision.  Every day, I would declare: “My eyesight is clear, and I am as strong as ever!  Blessed are my eyes for they see, and my ears for they hear!” (Deuteronomy 34:7 NLT; Matthew 13:16 NKJV)  Even though I am in my 70s, I can still read my Bible without wearing any glasses.  Before this latest eye exam, my doctor told me not to come back for at least two years because my eyes were so healthy.  This time, my vision had actually shown some improvement.  Glory to God!  The fact that I was born into a family with serious eye diseases makes it even more startling that my eyes are so healthy at my age.

   When it comes to praying God’s promises over ourselves and our loved ones, persistence is the key.  In the areas where I am diligent to declare God’s Word, I see the most progress.  Humans have a tendency to want to quit and give up when we don’t see results right away.  But in God’s economy, persistence pays off in a big way.  So does faith.  We can confess God’s Word over ourselves all day long, but if we don’t “mix it with faith,” as the Scripture above says, then we shouldn’t be too surprised when it doesn’t “profit” us.  Those who make a quality decision to take God at His Word will witness Him working mightily on their behalf.  What is the Lord calling YOU to believe Him for today?

   Lord, remind me often that Your Word says that when I give it my wholehearted attention, it ministers life and health to my whole body. (Proverbs 4:20-22)  Show me which promises to pray and stand on each day, so that I can live the abundant life that You have purchased for me. (John 10:10)  Thank You that as I mix my faith with Your life-giving Word, I will profit from it in my spirit, soul, and body – and in every area of my life!

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