I happen to have a little extra time at the moment, so I thought I would use this to briefly and simply encourage those around me (in this context, anyone who happens to still read this blog) in their faith, especially those who might be struggling. I know I myself can easily forget the Lord (and I've been more firmly reminded of that since my last post), so I use this post to remind others in the faith of the Lord as well, and of one of His many promises:
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24, NIVThe above also happens to be my future mother-in-law's favorite verse. I will confess it's one that I haven't thought about much at all, but in receiving a text this morning from a friend of mine who has been overwhelmed with all sorts of huge life challenges all at once, I felt God bring this to mind. It's also a good and important reminder for myself as well, as I (like a lot of people) always seem to have a litany of prayers I want answered but still need to grow in my faith in this regard. For those who struggle with faith (especially in-the-moment) the following verse is another good thing one can pray:
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24, NIVUnbelief is a serious thing. But we can pray to the Father for Him to help us overcome our unbelief, for those of us who already have chosen to call on Jesus' name for salvation and receive Him as Savior, Lord, and King of our lives. But I also happen to know those who might call themselves "on the fence." Unfortunately, the bad news is, "on the fence" means "not saved" and "not in the family of God." You're either all-in or you're not. But, the good news can be found in the below verse:
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:9-10, NIV