Choose to Believe and Receive By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)
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Introduction
Faith in God is a choice, a deliberate decision to trust in His promises and provisions rather than leaning on human strength and worldly systems. Too often, people profess belief in God yet fail to rely on Him fully, particularly when faced with trials such as illness, financial hardship, or fear. This teaching emphasizes the necessity of unwavering trust in God and His ability to meet our every need.
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1. Faith Over Fear
Many who claim to believe in God often live in fear, relying on human solutions instead of trusting Him wholeheartedly. The Bible cautions against this double-mindedness:
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:6-8, NKJV)
Faith requires consistency and confidence in God’s promises. When we waver, we hinder our ability to receive His blessings.
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2. Trusting God as the Great Physician
Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption, including our healing. Many believers acknowledge Jesus as Savior but fail to trust Him as the Great Physician. Scripture reminds us:
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, NKJV)
Instead of turning to worldly solutions, we are called to place our full confidence in Christ for healing and restoration.
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3. The Consequences of Mistrust
Choosing the "arm of flesh" over God leads to curses and bondage. Those who rely on worldly systems, such as endless medical treatments, often find themselves trapped in fear, debt, and despair. The Bible warns:
"Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 17:5, NKJV)
Faithlessness robs believers of the fullness of God’s blessings, leaving them in spiritual and emotional prisons of their own making.
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4. God’s Provision Through Faith
God desires His people to rely on Him for all their needs, including healing, provision, and peace. When we focus on Him and trust in His power, we experience His mercy and miracles daily:
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NKJV)
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5. A Call to Gratitude and Faithfulness
A heart of gratitude is essential in our walk with God. Rather than complaining about hardships, believers are called to thank God for His unfailing love and mercy:
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV)
Faithfulness keeps us aligned with God’s purposes and ensures that we overcome challenges instead of succumbing to them.
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Summary
God calls us to trust Him completely, refusing to rely on human strength or worldly systems. Faith in Him brings healing, provision, and peace, while mistrust leads to fear, bondage, and loss. By placing our confidence in Jesus, we can receive the fullness of God’s blessings.
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Conclusion
The decision to believe and receive is ours to make. God’s promises are true, and His power is limitless. When we trust Him wholeheartedly, He delivers us from fear, restores our health, and provides for all our needs.
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Call to Action
Make a deliberate choice today to place your full trust in God. Refuse to rely on the "arm of flesh" or be bound by fear. Turn to Jesus, your Savior and Great Physician, and experience His healing and provision.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Do not let fear or doubt rob you of the blessings God has in store for you. Remember the words of Jesus:
"Do not be afraid; only believe." (Mark 5:36, NKJV)
Choose faith over fear, gratitude over complaint, and trust over doubt. God is faithful, and His mercies are new every morning. Believe and receive!
