Yet, I have observed two distinct occurrences that have enlightened my understanding of a greater reality. The first one is; Christians are suffering the same fate as everyone else during this economic downturn, such as home foreclosures, bankruptcy, marital problems due to finances, insufficient or lack of funds and the list goes on.
Christians have practiced tithing, giving, offerings, etc. it would appear as if the biblical principles have either failed them, or it seems as if they're doing something wrong that's causing the principles to be of no effect.
My question to God and to myself, for that matter, was what is happening? Aside from the above, some don't serve God, seemingly practice none of his principles, yet they prosper and live in abundance during this dire economic crisis. Something is fundamentally wrong here, and clearly, there must be an answer.
The Bible commands that we walk by faith and not by sight (2Cor. 5:7), a general command to all Christians. God revealed to me that everyone destined for greatness will have to walk by faith rather than be given the option of leaving the walk of faith to the individual's discretion.
At first, this was confusing because I was told that God does not violate one's freedom of choice. Nonetheless, as he began to show me through the scriptures, the mystery was immediately transformed into a revelation that made me appreciate and accept what others and myself are presently going through, with an understanding that there is purpose fueling all of this without violating anyone's freedom of choice.
Now, to walk by faith literally means to walk in harmony with God's word as it pertains to our circumstances and daily living. For example, when others wrong us, walking by faith dictates that we should deal with them in love, and despite what they have done to us, we should pray for them. Of course, this is more easily said than done. Therefore most Christians compromise in areas such as these because there are no demands on them regarding walking by faith.
On the other hand, the Christian that has been chosen for greatness does not have a choice in the matter. For example, the tithe paying, always giving, putting others above self Christian, has been faced with financial difficulty. However, there is no one to help him, and all the sources of help that were once available to him have either been shut down, or these same sources are in a similar position.
Now, the reality is, does this Christian become confused? Yes! Does this Christian get angry with God? Yes! Does he feel as if this Christian walk produces more problems than solutions? Yes! Does he feel as if everyone is getting ahead except him? Again yes!
However, what sets this Christian apart from the others, is that when (not if) all of the scenarios mentioned above become expired in his mind, this Christian, without delay, categorize them as mere feelings, and he is cognizant of the fact that walking by faith has zero to do with his emotions. To this end, there is no option for him, so he is forced to continue walking by faith and not by sight or what he feels, without his freedom being violated.
Remember, walking by faith and not by sight is to walk according to God's instructions or his word and not how things appear or how we feel. Therefore this Christian who is forced to walk by faith because he is destined for greatness has been apparently equipped with the knowledge to see the bigger picture of his situation, and that knowledge is GOD IS IN CONTROL!
God being in control, as is frequently stated, but very few understand its meaning, implies that he is supervising the good and the bad in our lives. Let's read the biblical proof of this. The book of (Psalms 66:10-12) reads: "For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou have tried us, as silver is tried. Thou brought us into the net; thou laid affliction upon our loins. Thou have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou brought us out into a WEALTHY place."
Wow! What an eye-opener; as you've read, folks, God is the one in control here. No devil, demon, witchcraft worker, etc., is doing this to you, and if they are, they're only tools God uses to perfect you. Scripture says, 'Thou,' meaning God himself is the one testing, proving, and allowing others to ride over you, only to bring you, who is being transformed into the greatness that he has called you to be through these challenges into your wealthy place or place of abundance and limitless resources.
Folks, the words of wisdom for today are simply this: God will not put new wine into old wineskins (Matt. 9:17). This hints that he will not bring you to that prepared, wealthy place without transforming your mind from that old mindset through life's challenges and difficulties, which he is undoubtedly in control of.
By: Kevin L. A Ewing
Kevinlaewing.blogspot.com
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