Girlfriends in God - Jan. 21, 2008

January 21, 2008

Present Tense Believing

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18 NIV).

Friend to Friend

Do you believe God? I mean really believe Him to be who He says He is and do what He says He will do.

In Ephesians 1:13 we read: “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” We believed - past tense - and were saved; sealed, delivered…we’re His! It was completed in the past, once and for all time.

Now let’s read a little further down in Ephesians 1:18. “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” We received salvation when we believed (past tense). We have great power when we believe (present tense).

The Greek word for believe that is used in Ephesians 1:18 is a present active participle. That means it is a continuous action verb. Bible teacher, Beth Moore, in her study, Believing God notes: “In other words, the promise given in verses 19-20 is not applied to those “having believed” as in verse 13 where they had believed to become Christians. Rather, it is applied to those who are presently, actively, and yes, continually believing God.”

Maybe you believed in Jesus and experienced salvation. But do you believe the Word of God by faith and understand that you have the same power working in your life that raised Jesus from the dead? It is available to you…if you believe. The ultimate makeover begins with ultimate truth and continues to grow as we believe and practice walking in that truth.

A sapling planted in the ground does not become more of a tree as it grows, it just becomes stronger and more mature. Author Neil Anderson wrote, “The growth stage cannot alter the organism; it can only ensure that the organism reaches its greatest potential.” As a tree’s roots grow deeper it produces a greater display of leaves, more shade and beauty for others to enjoy, and stronger branches for tire swings and bird’s nests, but it’s still a tree. Nothing you do will make your identity truer than at the very moment you accept Christ as your Savior, but you can do a great deal to grow and mature in God.

It begins by believing the truth. It is a step of faith. “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1) It is “acting like God tells the truth.”

Let’s Pray

Dear LORD, I am choosing to believe You today. More than believing in You, I believe what You say is true. I believe that You will do what You say You will do. Help me exercise the measure of faith that You have given me and be a mighty spirit-filled woman of God.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Now it’s Your Turn

When did you first believe in God?

What do you think is the difference between believing in God and believing God?

What do you need to believe God for today?

Put it on paper! Tell me! I’d love to hear it. Just e-mail sharon@sharonjaynes.com and say, “Sharon, today I believe God for________.

More from the Girlfriends

Do you feel like you need a “faith-lift?” For more on how to strengthen your faith, see Experience the Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes and discover God’s transforming power in your life!

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Click here to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

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