Dear Diary,
Have you been
seeking for a spectacular or splendorous manifestation of God? What if you won’t
see it?
Marks of Maturing
Faith
When I was a
little girl and whenever I felt the sermon was ‘fire-fire,’ I’d get saved. When
I was a teen I remember watching the Turning Point and/or 700 Club and I’d keep
on the edge of the seat waiting for my name to be mentioned so that I can be
sure God knows my name, LOL! In my early 20’s, I’d attend keshaz and revival
meetings because I was looking for spectacular manifestation of God but most of
the time I’d feel frustrated because the preachers never made those emotional prophetic
declarations over my life. In fact the only time I was given a prophetic word,
it was not spectacular nor was it in any of those hysterical moments. You can
bet I doubted it because it didn’t feel spectacular.
Let’s take Uncle Abraham as our example of
growing and maturing faith. You and I know Uncle Abe’s faith was not flawless. Previously,
God had disclosed Himself to Abraham in more splendour and glory. You know, in
Gen 12:1, God had said to Uncle Abe “Leave your country, your people and your
father’s household to the land I’ll show you.” Uncle Abe stepped out in faith
and went, v.4. After parting company with lot, again God spoke to Uncle Abe,
promising to give him countless offspring and land, Gen. 13:14-15. In a spectacular
vision God came to Abe reassuring Him of His promise of offspring and land, Gen
15. One more time in Gen. 17, God
appeared and revealed Himself to uncle Abe as El-Shaddai (infinite/sovereign in
power). In Gen. 18, this time God would
not have been known, except through previous knowledge of Him and the eyes of
faith. While having a siesta at the entrance of his tent, appearing as an
ordinary man God came to uncle Abe’s residence accompanied by two others
(angelic beings), v.1-2. There’s seems to be nothing splendorous or spectacular
to distinguish the three travellers. Abe’s siesta came to a halt in order to
serve his guests. He rose up to welcome his guests; brought them water to wash
their feet; provided them a shade to rest; prepared choice and sumptuous meal
for them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree unaware of their
identity, v. 3-8. As they ate, they made a promise to Abe that Sarah would have
a son, v.18. At this, Abe must have clinched the identity of these three travellers.
After the three visitors had had their fill and were about to leave, God revealed
to uncle Abe His purpose to destroy Sodom. Abe began to boldly intercede with
God for the city and the righteous, v.16-33.
Now, what’s the
point of Genesis 18? The following are marks of mature faith:
Ø There
are many Christians who are perpetually at the mercy of on spectacular
manifestation of God and when God doesn’t seem to show up their way, they get
frustrated and. As you mature in faith, you are able to sense and see God’s
presence all around you through the eyes of faith even without the splendorous
manifestation.
Ø Also,
as your faith matures, you are able to shift your attention from self-centred
attitude to others. You see, uncle Abe, halted his siesta to gladly serve three
travellers. Not only did he refresh them, but he also gave them choice/high-quality
service.
Ø Mature
faith is demonstrated in uncle Abe’s concern for the righteous in Sodom as reflected
in his earnest intercession with God for their salvation.
Ø As
far as the prophesy that Sarah would be with a son in due time and also about
the destruction of Sodom reminds me that the prophetic shouldn’t just fascinate
and tickle our emotions but I believe God’s prophetic purposes is to stir us to
action. Mature faith takes action.
Ø In
addition, as we mature in faith, we have a grasp on the greatness of God and
His purposes. If you are apprehensive about a certain matter, remember that nothing
is too difficult for God.
Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
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