God, through the writer of Hebrews gives us His definition of faith. In Hebrews 11:1 we read, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” He goes on in verse 6 to explain that it is impossible to please God without faith, but notice He does not stop there. “… for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” A promise is given to those who come to God believing, and to them He will reward with the desires of their hearts.
It goes without saying that it is God Himself that places His desires within our hearts. Throughout Hebrews chapter 11 we find a list of those who by faith won the victory by having their hearts in tune with God. When our heart is in tune with God’s heart, He will reward us. Did not Noah, by faith, do exploits for God although he was mocked and ridiculed for 120 years. Yet the substance of things hoped for became evidence of what was not previously seen. His century-long ministry ended with the salvation of only eight people. Yet he was a huge success for God. How much faith do you suppose it took Noah to accomplish his goal?
What about Abraham as he offered up his only son? How much faith did it take for him to stretch Isaac upon the altar? I believe that had to have taken powerful faith.
And then what about Moses as he withstood Pharoah? My guess is that it took tremendous faith.
The great revivals of the past – How much faith did it take D. L. Moody, or Charles Finney, or C. H. Spurgeon to call from nothingness the evidence of things not seen? Again, I think we would be correct to say that it took great faith.
But wait a minute!
In Romans 12:3 we are told, “…to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Please notice that the key word here is the. It does not say a measure of faith, but the measure of faith. In other words, God has given to each of us the same measure of faith. We have all been given the same amount of faith. You and I have the same amount of faith that Noah, Abraham, Moses, Finney, and others possessed.
If it truly is God’s heart to save the lost and call this country back to revival (and it is), then might we simply learn to exercise the faith that we have been given and let the windows of Heaven be poured out on America once again. In other words, could we for once just claim God’s promises?
Let me list three promises, but there are many others. Psalm 2:8 -“Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” My friend, America is, for the most part, a heathen nation. I understand that this verse, as are the others, Old Testament. I understand the prophetic meaning behind it, but we can still apply it to today. Yes we can.
Isaiah 44:3 – “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring.” America is so thirsty we do not even know it. But yet God promises. Might we just claim it today.
II Chronicles 7:14 – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” There is no need to rationalize these verses. They are what they are.
God is just waiting for someone to stand up and say, “I’ll exercise my God-given faith and reach out to a nation that has forsaken her God. I will claim the promises and will watch and expect God to work.” Someone needs to step up and to step up now! If not you, then who?
Knees for the Nations 