Actively Engaging with God’s Promises

Expecting God’s Favor:

In the journey of faith, there are moments when we face trials and uncertainties that can lead to discouragement. However, the Word of God encourages us to hold fast to hope, knowing that divine intervention is often closer than we think. Let us not lose heart, for the Lord has promised favor to those who trust in Him.

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 KJV)

The anticipation of God’s timing should never be mistaken for a passive existence. While we wait, the very nature of the Kingdom, as Luke 17:20-21 reveals, isn’t found in mere observation or idle expectation. Rather, it’s a dynamic reality that requires our active participation. Our waiting period is a time for purposeful engagement, aligning our actions with God’s principles, and diligently sowing seeds of faith and obedience. It’s in our doing, in our active pursuit of righteousness and service, that we position ourselves to experience the unfolding of His Kingdom in our lives.

Anchoring Our Wellbeing in God

Unbelief can take root when our emotions are swayed by despair and discouragement. To combat this, we must anchor our sense of wellbeing and identity in Christ. By setting our minds on heavenly things, we cultivate an emotional stability that allows faith to flourish, even amidst challenging circumstances.

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2 KJV)

The passage in Colossians 3:1-2 encourages a profound shift in our emotional focus. The word “affection” used here carries a depth beyond simple English translation, signifying “emotional attenuation,” akin to the focused sensitivity of an antenna. This directs us to deliberately tune our hearts and minds towards the divine, anchoring our sense of self-worth and wellbeing not in fleeting circumstances or earthly measures, but firmly in the unchanging reality of who God is in our lives. By intentionally directing our emotional energy towards Him, we cultivate a resilience that enables us to endure the trials we face and remain steadfast in our expectation of receiving His promised blessings.

Relinquishing the Outcome and Embracing God’s Ways

A key to walking in faith is learning to relinquish the outcome of our situations to God. Just as a seed must fall to the ground and die to bear fruit, we must release our preconceived notions of how God will work. His ways are often beyond our understanding, and true faith trusts in His sovereignty to bring His promises to pass in ways we could never imagine.

 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24 KJV)

Embracing the act of relinquishing the outcome stems from the profound truth that we possess limited foresight into God’s grand design. While His promises stand as unwavering pillars of truth, the pathways and instruments He employs to bring those promises to fruition remain within the realm of His sovereign prerogative. To attempt to dictate the “how” and “when” of God’s fulfillment is to confine the limitless wisdom and power of the Almighty. Therefore, a posture of open-handed trust, releasing our grip on predetermined scenarios, becomes essential. We must grant God the freedom to orchestrate our destiny according to His perfect will and divine timing, knowing that His ways, though often beyond our comprehension, are always for our ultimate good.

The Higher Law of Love

While the principle of sowing and reaping is evident, the law of love operates on a higher plane. When we walk in unconditional love, extending generosity and care, especially to those in need, we tap into a powerful spiritual principle that transcends mere reciprocity. This law of love can even override negative harvests from past actions, ushering in unexpected blessings.

 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34 KJV)

Stepping away from the mindset of entitlement or the expectation that God is obligated to act based on our past efforts is a pivotal shift in our spiritual walk. When we release the notion of a transactional relationship with the divine – “I’ve done this, therefore God owes me that” – we ascend into the realm of the higher law of love. In this elevated space, our hearts are freed from the constraints of expectation and open to the boundless nature of God’s grace. Instead of passively waiting for a predetermined reward, we become active participants, sowing seeds of love and service without demanding a specific return. This selfless posture positions us, in a spiritual sense, as “lords” over our own harvest of blessing, not through demanding what we think we deserve, but by aligning ourselves with the very nature of God, who freely gives out of His abundant love.

Giving and Receiving in the Kingdom

Our giving plays a vital role in experiencing God’s provision. While tithing is a foundational principle, extending generosity, particularly to the poor, opens the door for God’s abundant blessing upon our lives and our giving into the Kingdom. Our responsiveness to God’s leading in giving is often a measure of His responsiveness to our needs.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38 KJV)

In the arena of the spirit, remember that finances are not merely transactional but a powerful medium of spiritual warfare. Arm yourself with generosity, extending blessings to those near and dear, and even to those who stand against you. Cultivate a spirit of liberal giving, for as you freely pour out, the boundless liberality of God Himself will locate you, meeting your needs and providing the resources to fuel the very visions He has placed within your heart.

The Power of Agreement

Unity in faith, especially in agreement with fellow believers, amplifies the power of God’s promises in our lives. When we align our hearts and expectations according to His Word, we create an atmosphere where the miraculous can manifest, breaking through limitations and bringing forth the fullness of what God intends for us.

“Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19 KJV)

When hearts and minds align in faith within the close circle God has ordained for us, the supernatural realm becomes tangibly present. Walking in concord with these divinely placed individuals unlocks a powerful dynamic where prayers ascend with unified force, often resulting in swift and undeniable miraculous answers. This harmonious agreement becomes a conduit for God’s power to flow freely, demonstrating the potent reality of collective faith and its immediate impact on our circumstances.

Reflection and Review

This message reminds us that faith is an active engagement with God’s promises. It calls us to persevere in hope, anchor our emotions in Christ, trust in God’s sovereign ways, operate in the higher law of love, be generous in giving, and cultivate unity in faith. By embracing these principles, we position ourselves to experience God’s favor and see His promises come to fruition in our lives.

A Call to Action:

• Hold Fast to Hope: In the face of challenges, consciously choose to trust in God’s promises and expect His intervention.
• Anchor Your Heart: Regularly meditate on scripture and cultivate a mindset focused on Christ and heavenly realities.
• Release Your Expectations: Surrender your own ideas of how God should work and trust in His wisdom and timing.
• Extend Unconditional Love: Look for opportunities to show generosity and kindness, especially to those in need.
• Cultivate Agreement: Seek out fellow believers and unite in prayer and faith for the fulfillment of God’s will in your life.