“And there came a leper to him (Jesus), beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, ‘If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” (Mark 1:40). A simple act of faith. The leper came to Jesus fully acknowledging His power and His Sovereignty. The leper believed fully that Jesus was able to cure him. His question was not whether He could heal him. The question was whether Jesus desired to. If the answer was no, would that have changed his faith in Jesus? There are moments in our life when we face that same question. Do you and I really trust God when His answer is no? What if, in His Sovereign Grace, He says no to our petition?
Faith is knowing God IS and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. What if His reward is quite different than what we believe we desire? Does that change your faith? Or do you still hold fast to the truth that He is Sovereign, Omnipotent, All Powerful and knows what is best for you, no matter what? That was a question Paul also had to answer.
When His answer is no, but I AM enough
Paul came to God three times, pleading that He remove the infirmity he battled with every day.
2 Corinthians 12:
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
God’s answer to Paul was no, but I AM enough. I will be your strength, rest in me.
When God says no, His plan is still for your Good.
Do you believe that? Down deep in your heart, do you trust Him? When His answer is no, do you still trust and believe that He loves you? Because He does love you and is more concerned with your ultimate joy; a joy that can only be found in Him when He becomes your greatest treasure.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Whatever you are facing today, remember He is able and He knows what is best. He is transforming you into the likeness of His son. His plan is good, His love abounding, and He knows when to say no so that you might find in Him all that you need.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
JUST RELEASED
You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there
Recently released Books Available
ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits:
Feature picture is the artwork of RoninRon Creative Art