Do You Believe His Word? By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'" (Luke 11:28, NIV)
----Introduction
Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. Yet, how often do we falter when asked to trust and obey His Word? Many claim allegiance to God but are hindered by fear, doubt, and unbelief when He speaks to them. This teaching challenges us to examine our hearts and asks: Do we truly believe the Word of God? Believing His Word and acting upon it is the path to experiencing the fullness of His blessings, mercies, and miracles.
----The Consequences of Unbelief
When we allow fear, doubt, and inward disputation to dominate our minds, we distance ourselves from God. Unbelief not only quenches the Spirit but also robs us of the miracles He desires to give us. "So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief." (Hebrews 3:19, NIV). God calls us to reject the lies of the enemy and to stand firm in faith, trusting His Word and promises.
----Listening to the Holy Spirit
God speaks to us through His Holy Spirit, providing guidance and direction. However, many ignore His voice, choosing instead to heed the clamor of worldly distractions and demonic influences. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13, NIV). Listening to and obeying the Spirit ensures that we remain aligned with God’s will and receive His blessings.
----The Danger of Accepting Lies
Those who entertain the voices of darkness cut themselves off from God’s life-giving flow. They exchange truth for lies and become ensnared in misery. "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him." (John 8:44, NIV). To experience God’s abundance, we must reject the enemy’s deception and embrace His truth.
----The Power of Obedience
Obedience to God’s Word opens the door to His miraculous interventions. Those who act in faith, rather than skepticism, witness His power firsthand. "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, NIV). By trusting and obeying God, we position ourselves to receive His blessings and live in victory.
---- Faith as the Key to Miracles
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus performed miracles for those who believed His Word. He often emphasized the necessity of faith, as seen in His interaction with the centurion: "Then Jesus said to the centurion, 'Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.' And his servant was healed at that moment." (Matthew 8:13, NIV). Faith unlocks the supernatural, while unbelief limits our access to God’s provision.
----Rejecting the Voices of Misery
The voices of misery and complaint seek to devour our faith and align us with darkness. God calls us to resist such influences and live in His abundance. "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky." (Philippians 2:14-15, NIV). Remaining steadfast in faith shields us from the destruction that follows a complaining spirit.
----The Abundance of God’s Blessings
God’s desire is for His people to live in His abundance, free from fear and doubt. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10, NIV). Trusting in His Word and walking in obedience leads to a life of peace, joy, and fulfillment.
----Summary
Believing God’s Word is essential for experiencing His miracles and mercies. Fear, doubt, and unbelief hinder our relationship with Him and block the blessings He desires to give us. By listening to the Holy Spirit, rejecting lies, and acting in obedience, we align ourselves with His will and receive His abundance.
---- Conclusion
God’s Word is true, powerful, and life-giving. When we believe and act on it, we unlock the blessings, miracles, and mercies He has prepared for us. Let us choose faith over fear, obedience over rebellion, and truth over deception, knowing that His plans for us are good.
---- Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged to trust in God’s Word, for His promises never fail. As Romans 4:20-21 (NIV) reminds us: "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Choose to believe His Word, and you will experience the peace, joy, and abundance that come from walking in His truth.
