90-DAY FAITH CHALLENGE

In Hebrews 11:1 of “The James Moffatt translation of the Bible”, faith is defined as follows: “Now faith means that we are confident of what we hope for, convinced of what we do not see.” As we release our faith for supernatural miracles and provision, we must be confident that God is a miracle-working God and able to perform the thing we hope for. We must be convinced that He is the God of the impossible, the God of no failure and the God of limitless power. We must be confident, He is the same God who delivered Daniel from the lion’s den, the same God who parted the Red Sea, the same God who raised Jairus’s daughter from the dead, and the same God who raised Jesus from the dead. Acts 14:8-10 NKJV states, “And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, and had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking. Paul observing him intently and seeing that he had FAITH to be healed, said with a loud voice “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.” As I look at this scripture, I observed that this miracle took place in the town of Lystra. (The name Lystra means ransomed or set free .) This man was without strength and was born crippled having never walked. He needed to be ransomed or set free. Before hearing the man of God, he did not have the faith or confidence to hope that he could ever walk. He was not convinced of what he did not see. When Paul spoke the word of the Lord in Lystra, the lame man listened intently. His spirit man was awakened. Hope was stirred and faith arose in his heart. He gained the confidence to receive a miracle. What heightened his faith? It was the preached Word of God. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” As we continue to hear, read and study the Word of God, our faith will arise to the level of believing we can be ransomed or set free from whatever situation or circumstance we are facing. We will be convinced of the bigness or our God and confident of the fact that He is the God of all power. Let faith arise!

The third and final part of our 90-Day Faith Challenge will focus on releasing our faith for supernatural miracles and provision. Faith for supernatural miracles and supernatural provisions falls under the category of spiritual gifts. The Amplified Bible Interpretation calls this, “Special endowment of supernatural energy” (See 1 Corinthians 12:9-10). We see examples of this in II Kings 4:1-7 with the Prophet Elisha and the widow. Also, we can look at Matthew 14:15-21, where Jesus supernaturally feeds 5,000 families. Whether we need a miracle of provision or some other kind of miracle, we first need to seek God for supernatural faith, also called special faith. In our desire and quest for miracles and more, we need to remember that we ourselves cannot make anything happen. It is God who decides who He will use, and what miracles will occur. Regarding miracles of provision, should be noted the receiver in the biblical examples shown before-gave God something to work with. The widow in II Kings gave some oil. Jesus in Matthew, multiplied loaves of bread and fish. It is a true saying that, “Before something comes down, something must first go up.” In the case of the believer, God wants foremost, that our lives and “bodies must be offered up as a living sacrifice …” (Romans 12:1). This includes our prayers and our financial offerings. When we do these things with clean hands and a pure heart; our changes of seeing the miracles we long for, will be within reach. David L. Taylor

I am writing to testify to the faithfulness of the Lord. Recently, there were fires in Southern California where my sister lives. The fires were headed in her direction, were six miles away, and spreading quickly. She asked for prayer and God answered our petition. Following the fervent prayer of faith, the winds shifted to the west and did not come near her. We praise God for His loving kindness and that He hears the cry of His children. Praise the Lord! Tina A thousand may fall at your side and then thousand at your right hand, but danger will not come near you . Psalm 91:7 (AMP)

Israel chose to believe the bad report concerning the giants in the land not the good report of a land flowing with milk and honey of Joshua and Caleb. That day they failed to believe and things fell apart. They ended up wandering in the desert for 40 years until everyone without faith had died. Historically, years later, the nation of Israel was destroyed on that very same day, the 9th of Av. Could it be that destruction by their enemy came when the nation was not walking in faith? Interesting that while the people of Israel were "cowering with fear" because of the giants in the land - unknown to them, they were feared because of the fierce, miracle working God they served. The people in the land trembled with fear of them! They had God's authority, blessing, and back up...so do you! Believing the bad report will hinder your journey, just like it did with Israel. Simply believe God is with you, God is for you, and you are well able. Just do what He says. Set yourself up for success. Release your faith and believe God's good report. Do NOT allow False Evidence Appearing Real to keep you from everything God has for you. Just have FAITH!

Consider Sarah, a mother of our faith. Hebrews 11:11 says, By faith even Sarah herself received the ability to conceive [a child], even [when she was long] past the normal age for it, because she considered Him who had given her the promise to be reliable and true [to His word]. By faith, Sarah received the physical power to conceive a child even when she was long past the age for it. I believe it was a miracle that required the supernatural power of God to pull off. But then, what about a ninety year old woman (Genesis 17:17) carrying a child nine months and going through the delivery process? I could not imagine trying to carry and deliver my first child at fifty or sixty years old, let along ninety! God was faithful to Sarah to strengthen her and carry her through the entire birthing process. Why did God do this? Hebrews 11:11 says " By faith ," she conceived Isaac. The scripture elaborates on her exercise of faith, "because she considered [God] Who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word." Sarah believed that God would be faithful to His promise to her and her husband, even though, they laughed a the idea at the beginning. What has God promised you? Have you continued to laugh or deny that it is possible? Consider Sarah....if God can do a series of supernatural feats through Sarah, can He not do it through you? Perhaps, the simple missing ingredient is FAITH. I challenge you to activate your faith. Count God faithful as Sarah did, that He is reliable and trustworthy to keep His promise to you. He is faithful as we are faithful (full of faith). Some of you have felt that you are carrying; that the Spirit of God has impregnated you. You know that you have conceived of the Spirit and your spiritual womb is full. Now what? You may feel that it is lodged within you and you do not know how to get it out, even though you have tried. You wonder, what is it supposed to look like? How am I going to take care of it? Consider Sarah....the Lord was not only faithful to provide conception, but the Lord strengthened Sarah to carry the child, deliver the child, and raise the child! Know that God will do the same for you....count Him reliable and trustworthy, who has impregnated you with His promise. He delights in you! Simply release your faith. But, with God all things are possible! Trust Him to strengthen you and give you wisdom to fulfill all He created you to do and to be, even if it feels stuck and you think its been stuck too long or that you are too old. Release your faith! He is true to His word! Declare it today!

The decisions you make today will impact your life tomorrow. To hear and obey God's voice is one of the most important disciplines to practice in our spiritual life. It will lead to a happy and fulfilled future. In these perilous times, the believer must desire to hear from God. Oftentimes, God's voice has to contend with other voices such as the media, entertainment, political biases, even our enemy, satan. The key is to discern who is speaking so that you will learn to make wise choices. God speaks in many ways. If you are unfamiliar with hearing God's voice, may I share two basic ways He speaks? First and foremost, God speaks through His Holy Word. God's Word is His will or a blueprint design for your life. As you commit to a daily practice of reading the scriptures, you will find His Word will become alive and the answers you are seeking will be revealed. May I suggest that you pray before you read the Bible. Sit or kneel in His presence waiting with anticipation to hear His voice. He will begin to give you a clear insight step by step of how to respond to a particular situation in your life. A second way God speaks to you is through the Holy Spirit. As a believer, the Holy Spirit lives and abides within you. Have you ever had a major decision that required an immediate answer and you did not know what to do or where to turn? Find a quiet place and take a five-minute praise break to give God thanks in advance for hearing you and suddenly dispatching angels to send you the answer. After you receive the answer, you will sense an inner peace that everything will be all right. Be diligent to hear and obey God's voice. It will keep you from experiencing many disappointments in life. As you continue to grow and mature in God, you will discover the wonderful things He has for you. Apostle Paul sums it up with these words found in I Corinthians 2:9, But it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." Reference - Shepherd, Linda Evans. When You Don't Know What to Pray . Revell, Grand Rapid, MI 49516-6287, 2010, Pg. 164.

In a world where change is constant , everything seems to be shaking, and nothing remains the same, we need a stabilizer. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines stabilizer as "fixed, unwavering, enduring and steady." With this in mind, the only fixed and unmovable thing today is the word of God found in the Holy Bible. This life-changing book, written centuries ago by men of God, who wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, has impacted and revolutionized millions of people's lives. It the same eternally and is the rock on which we can stand! The best selling romance and mystery books will never be as exciting and edifying as reading the word of God. Maybe you have been praying and seeking the Lord for years concerning your desire for a husband. God hears and He will answer according to His will. You will find encouragement and hope in reading the book of Ruth. This love story unfolds as the widow Naomi, discourages her daughter-in-law, Ruth, from going with her to the land of Judah after her husband and sons died. However, Ruth is committed to Naomi and her God. Because of her faithfulness to her mother-in-law, she finds favor with a wealthy landowner, named Boaz, and becomes his wife. When we put God first in every area of our life, He is faithful to bless us. If you are in a troubled marriage, you may relate to Jacob's first wife, Leah, in the book of Genesis. Coerced into a loveless marriage by her father, Laban, and hated by her sister Rachel, she feels trapped and alone. Yet, Yahweh looks upon her distress, opens her womb and blesses her with children. Other answers found in the word help with the problems of today's society. Are your teenagers rebellious and disobedient? Encourage them to read the first chapter of Proverbs, the book of wisdom. Remind them that the path they choose may result in life or death. Illness seems to be everywhere. It is not God's will for His children to be sick. He has promised us healing and good health. In the Gospel of Luke, God shows us many manifestations of His divine healing. If you are suffering from a disease that seems incurable or have received a negative report from the doctor, take another look at the promises of God and begin to receive your healing. Jesus declares in Luke 4:4, " It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." May we encourage you to read the Word of God daily. It is the book of Life!

The Bible denotes many miracles demonstrating faith, thus recognizing the deity of God. Let us observe one of the greatest acts of faith in the Bible. In Matthew 8:5-10 the story of the centurion soldier and his servant unfolds as Jesus comes into the city of Capernaum, and the centurion soldier approaches him and begins to talk to Him about the condition of his servant. During that time, Roman officers (centurions) were under the Roman regime. For the most part, they were noted for being cruel and were hated by many. However, this soldier, with his gentle and humble character, evidently had been influenced by the Jewish religion. Therefore, his servant was treated more like a family member rather than a slave. As Jesus listened attentively to the soldier, He was amazed at the care and compassion shown for his servant. God does not delight in our suffering. He is concerned about every aspect of our lives. Jesus was touched by the humility of the soldier and immediately said, "I will go and heal him." This Roman officer knew authority. As a commander over 100 men, he knew when he spoke with power, those under him would obey. He recognized this great Teacher with supernatural abilities as being one in supreme authority. Therefore, he felt unworthy for Jesus to come to his home. His confidence and unwavering trust in God was awesome. He did not ask God for a sign; he did not even for Jesus to pray. He simply said, "But speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed." This may have been one time that Jesus was speechless. In verse ten of Matthew 8, it states that Jesus was astonished at such magnitude of Faith. Throughout all His traveling in Israel, Jesus had never found such great faith. Instantly, He responded to the centurion's request, and Matthew 8:13 says, " In that same hour, his servant was healed ." Brothers and sisters meditate on this story of great faith and let your faith increase during this faith challenge. Read and speak God's promises daily and they will bring life and healing to your circumstances.

Have you ever "experienced an unexpected moment" that changed your week forever? I did! Several days ago, I received a voice mail from a friend. She had sent me a gift via wire express that would be ready for pickup at any Walmart Customer Service Department. Upon arrival, the clerk gave me an envelope. Much to my surprise, my friend had sent me some money. Tears welled up in my eyes and slowly fell. My faithful God had answered my prayer. Faith is the key that moves God to do the impossible in our lives. Unexpected surprises are just what the Master does! Matthew 7:11 says, " If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? " There is no magic formula to Faith! Three success keys that will help to cultivate or grow one's faith to believe Him for the impossible are: to read God's Word, to establish a personal relationship through prayer, and to believe, confess, and obey His promises. What have you asked God for today? Continue to trust Him and exercise your faith. As a runner prepares diligently for a marathon in hopes to cross the finish line as the winner; we too must hold fast to the confidence that "...if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us...and we know that we have the petitions or requests that we have asked of Him " (1 John 5:14-15). Watch God do the impossible in your life! Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous poet once wrote, "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." What is your unexpected moment? We would love to hear from you. Please share your moment in the comment box below.