Positioning Yourself for a Miracle, part 2

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." 

Isaiah 7:9b

God has given to us many biblical examples of those who positioned themselves for a miracle.  A doctor's report that you are going to die is terrifying, but a report from God Himself that you are going to die is likely even more terrifying. It is more likely indescribable.  With a doctor's report, there is place for expectation of a miracle.  But with Almighty God, the giver of life, can we really expect a result different from His report?

Consider what happened with one of Judah's kings, Hezekiah (see Isaiah 38).  God sent the prophet Isaiah to tell him to get his house in order because he was going to die. God had spoken, that settled it. OR did it?  Following such a report, could you believe God for a miracle? A different report?  A change of mind? Should you?  Interesting questions, yes?  Pay attention to Hezekiah's response.  Even so, he positioned himself for a miracle.  After hearing the report of the Lord, Hezekiah still prayed and cried out to the Lord to spare his life.  He reminded God of his faithful walk before Him and his wholehearted devotion.

Now you might find this hard to believe, but God changed His mind. God not only heard Hezekiah's prayer and saw his tears, but He changed His mind.  All of this happened before Isaiah could leave the king's palace. God sent him back to tell Hezekiah that He would add 15 years to his life.  WOW!!!  For you, for us today, can we, will we position ourselves for a miracle when the situation and circumstances seem impossible? When God has spoken?  Will you stand firmly, boldly, and confidently in your faith? Try it, I dare you. 

 

Positioning Yourself for a Miracle

 

Does God perform miracles today? Will He? Will he perform a miracle for you? Do you need God to perform a miracle for you? Can you expect Him to perform a miracle for you? OR should the first question be what is a miracle? I'm glad you asked. Should God do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," in a given situation for you, would you consider that a miracle (see Ephesians 3:20)? If God does the "impossible" for you, would you consider that a miracle (see Luke 1:37)? OR if miracles are supernatural, do we experience the supernatural today? OR are there levels or degrees of miracles? SO is there a greatest miracle?  Interesting questions -- what do you think?

 

God sent the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message to King Ahaz, the king of Judah (the southern kingdom consisting of two tribes).   At that time, the larger nation of Israel (the northern kingdom consisting of 10 tribes) had joined with the large nation of Syria to war against the small nation of Judah. As you would expect, the king and the people of Judah were very fearful. Greatly outnumbered, they were probably absolutely terrified. Does this sound like where you may be even now? Know that God sent the prophet to explain to the king how to position himself and his people for a miracle. 

 

Not being a respecter of persons, God has sent the same message to you today on how to position yourself for a miracle. The message is found in Isaiah 7:4 -- Say to him, ‘Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart ... ."

 

To Fear or Not To Fear

God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

To fear or not to fear, that is the question.  Sound familiar?  In thinking about the answer, other questions may be raised in our minds.  What is fear?  Fear used as an acronym has been described as False Evidence Appearing Real. Looking at the reference scripture in other translations, we find the words timidity, cowardice, afraid, cowardly spirit, and fearfulness.  Fear is also described as craven, cringing, fawning. 

Recently in a group discussion, the question -- what is fear -- was asked? One ready response referred to fear as an emotion.  Responses to the question -- is fear a spirit -- were half YES and half NO.  Not unusual responses, typical responses.  What is your response? Through the discussion, I was reminded of how easy it is to not see the very word before our eyes ... how easy it is to be blinded by the evil one ... how easy it is to overlook the truth ... how challenging it is to move out of our comfort zones.  You now maybe thinking, what is she saying?  Thank you for asking.  Read the reference Scripture again, and again, and again. What is it that God has not given us? It is the spirit of fear.

Whether we like it or not, fear is a spirit.  Fear is an evil spirit.  Fear is from the enemy, the devil, satan. Fear is demonic.  To fear or not to fear, that is the question.  Whose report will you believe?