The 'AMEN' of Faith

I have begun a search for more understanding about faith so that my faith will take me into more of his Kingdom. The Scriptures are full of stories of people whose faith brought dramatic intervention by God. I want a faith that pulls miracles into life situations. A month ago I met at a conference a couple who have an extraordinary life of faith, Jack and Anna Marie Sheffield. They have seen wonderful miracles of healing and have set up a healing centre in San Antonio, Texas, USA where they live. They are now training teams in other churches and countries to do the same. Their lives and their books have really challenged me – and made my heart ache for us to see such signs and wonders here, regularly. I believe it is our heritage. (see www.deepriverministries.com – get some of his books and be inspired.) Do you realise we live by faith every day. It is in our dna. It is how this world and our lives work. By faith you ate your breakfast, believing it would not make you sick. By faith you turn the key in your car to go places. By faith you sit on a seat. This is common, natural faith. It is in us because we are created in the image of God. THE RESTFULNESS OF FAITH The words faith, trust and believe in the New Testament all come from the same root Greek word ‘pistis’. It means to trust in, rely upon, to put your whole weight upon, being persuaded or convinced, confident, assured, having a guarantee you can stand on. In the Old Testament the Hebrew words for faith/trust/belief all come from the same original word, ‘aman’. It means firmness, certainty or being established. When setting up a tent you always choose firm soil so the pegs won’t pull out in a high wind. The firm state of the soil is ‘aman’. The word ‘trust’ is used a lot in the OT, especially in the Psalms. There are three words for trust that mean to lean on or to cling to, then there is ‘aman’ – stand firm, rely on. “You are my Rock, you’re my fortress, in you do I trust.” You are my sure, established place. The first time this word ‘aman’ is used gives us a lovely glimpse into its wonderful spiritual meaning. Moses has taken the children of Israel, over three million of them, out of Egypt into the desert, and he is feeling overwhelmed by having to sort out all their problems. In Numbers 11 he complains to God. “Why have you told me I have to be a “nursing father” – aman – to these people.” “Why do I have to carry them like a father with his un-weaned child?” What a picture of faith, of trust. A baby in the arms of his father – and the baby is at rest – being cared for in every way by his big, powerful, tender, loving Father. He is the safe, sure, established place for that child - the ‘aman.’ Do you think the Lord asked him to be a ‘father’ to these little babes (spiritually) in the desert, because he wanted Moses to give them a glimpse of what he, God, is like? They couldn’t yet walk in faith. They couldn’t feed or clothe themselves. Someone had to hear God on their behalf and dispense his wisdom and provision to them. And in faith, they came to Moses. God had an answer to weary Moses… he told him to find 70 ‘elders’ who could help in this role. And when he selected them, he prayed for them and the same Spirit he had - came upon them for this vital task. Does that sound familiar? So, one aspect of faith is about resting safely in the arms of our Father. And it is about leaning on, or even clinging to him and his word. I want to look at some stories in Scripture – and I’d like to begin with Abraham, because he is called ‘the father of faith.’ Not the Author… that is Jesus… but the father - the first one who had to walk by faith into the vast and wonderful purposes of God. PURSING THE PROMISE What is written in the New Testament about Abraham is very helpful in seeing how this faith works. God spoke to Abraham in Genesis 12: “Go to the land I will show you…” and he walked nearly 1,800 kms with his extended family, livestock, servants, tents, chattels, camels, donkeys… simply being led by the Lord. There were no written Scriptures yet. But he heard, and knew this was God. And he received a promise, “I will make of you a great nation… all peoples of the earth will be blessed through you.” He went as a result of these two things. Hearing his voice – and being given, not just a command, but a promise. That’s faith – hearing God’s voice, catching the promise, trusting his word – putting our whole weight upon it … and walking into it. And his faith developed through continued conversations with God… through more promises. One night God took him outside to look at the myriad of stars overhead and promised he would have more descendants than he could even count – just as he couldn’t count the stars… and a covenant was made…and land given… and finally a miracle son given in impossible circumstances – and later that son Isaac was preserved in a time of testing... to become the father of Jacob who had 12 sons… and today we see the fulfilment of the promise. All peoples are being blessed through his faith. He trusted what God said – he did what God asked. Paul comments on his faith in Romans 4:16-21 As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed – the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.’ 18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be’. 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, (he didn’t in any way distrust the promise of God) but was strengthened/empowered/envigorated … in his faith and gave praise and glory to God, being fully persuaded/completely confident that God had power to do what he had promised. (…that God was able and mighty to keep His word and to do what He had promised.) Fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised… to give him land…to give him a son…to even raise Isaac from the dead if he had to kill him as an offering. That is what faith looks like. We are Abraham’s offspring- children of faith- the same faith he had is in us. It is our spiritual dna. We too can hear the Lord’s voice, receive the promises…and walk into them – persist in them until we see them come to pass. This is the nature of faith to those who are born again of the Spirit. Who have the life of Jesus in us. ENLARGING OUR PICTURE Do you realise our faith will only be a large as the picture of God we have. Abraham believed that God ‘calls things that are not – as though they are.’ There was no way they could have a son. But God did a miracle because that is who he is. ‘He raises the dead to life again.’ And Isaac was given back to him, even though both Abraham and Isaac had accepted his death. I believe God sets us up to discover more and more of himself - to have our view of him enlarged regularly. Then our faith response to who he is and what he can do will need to enlarge also. Often these set ups are our trials and our tests. Those times we feel out of sorts, disappointed, challenged, or life is a mess. He is saying to us – ‘Get a new picture of me – trust me for more than you ever have before – I want to take you to another place of safety and confidence in me.’ Are we listening? Will we hear the promise for this season? PERSEVERING FAITH But faith has more than one side to it: Let’s look at Mary – the mother of Jesus. We hardly ever hear her speak… but she was a woman of great faith. In Luke 1:26-45 the angel came to her and told her she would supernaturally conceive the promised Messiah, the Son of God himself… and concluded with the words, ‘For nothing is impossible with God.’ When Mary visited Elizabeth, her pregnant elderly cousin, Elizabeth said ‘Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” Her belief made the coming of Jesus possible. God needed not only her acceptance of his will, but also her belief that this miracle could happen to her. Imagine how it must have been for her for those first 30 years of Jesus’ life before he began to reveal who he was to his nation. She knew he was the long awaited Messiah… she must’ve imagined… and prayed… and been on the edge of her seat with anticipation. WHEN will he show the world who he is? Then he is baptised by John, his cousin, Elizabeth’s special son. John has had a revelation of who this cousin of his really is. What does he shout out? “Look, there is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” Then Jesus begins to gather his disciples - Peter, Andrew, Philip, Nathaniel…and they begin to say to each other, ‘He is the Messiah, he is the King of Israel, the Son of God.’ Then in John’s gospel, there was a wedding and Jesus and his disciples and his mother and probably the rest of the family were all there. And the wine ran out, and his mother… aching with anticipation – said to Jesus, ‘The wine has run out’. Jesus said, “Dear woman, why do you involve me. My time has not yet come.” My time for what? How did he know? His Father hadn’t told him to do anything yet. He was listening… and he had only been directed to gather his disciples. Did they stare at each other, Mary and her son Jesus – or look the other way? Was there a long pause? And Mary said to the servants “Do whatever he says.” THIS IS THE KEY. This is faith in operation. She is expecting him to act. “Do whatever he says.” There are six big water jars there… probably around 500 litres in all. And Jesus told the servants, “Fill them up.” I wonder how long it took to bring all that water from the well? And without another word, the water became wine and completely stunned everyone at the wedding. An amazing miracle… why? Because of Mary’s faith. She did not back off and say ‘I accept your will Jesus.’ She in effect said, ‘I am expecting you to solve this dilemma because I know you can.’ Someone has said… Mary’s faith “pulled into her day, her situation of need, what was reserved for a later time.” The Father must’ve given the OK to Jesus. “OK Jesus, I can’t refuse this act of faith. Go ahead.” It seems God’s timing is not always the main point. He is looking for faith… for a boldness that reaches out for what we know he can do. Mary did that. And I am sure Jesus and his Father were grinning with delight. Time and again people came to Jesus and implored him to heal – or even grabbed at his cloak – in faith, taking hold of their healing. Faith will break through barriers – push the limits… and the Father loves it! Jesus told stories about people persisting and pushing through till they got what they desperately needed. The widow harassing the judge – the friend at midnight insisting on help. This is ‘persevering faith. THE RISK OF FAITH Someone has said ‘Faith is spelt R I S K.’ Sometimes it is. When Abraham set off not knowing his destination, that was probably considered a crazy risk. And that is sometimes what we are called to do. Step into unknown territory… holding the hand of the one who knows all things and will not let us down. When people are called into a new venture – perhaps to set up a ministry – or go overseas to serve the Lord – or move to another town to see what God will open up for them – with the call he gives an assurance - a confidence - a sureness in their hearts - that this is what they must do. This is a gift of faith for that new road they must take. So it doesn’t feel risky to them. It feels natural to respond to the call or the promise. It feels like the only thing you can do and there is no deep anxiety. People talk of feeling peace when they agree with God. So the ‘risk of faith’ can often be a real sense of adventure, a joy, a delight. We can actually feel really at peace while taking what appears to be a big risk. Faith does that for us. We went to Zambia to serve as missionaries and it was a real ‘leap into the unknown’ which others thought was very risky (as I was 6 months pregnant with our first son). But it felt like an adventure. We had felt ‘called’ – so we went knowing he was with us. In John 3 v 11…after the miracle of water turning to wine it says, “He thus revealed his glory and his disciples put their faith in him. They already had faith…they knew who he was. They had chosen to follow him… but now their view of him is much bigger and they are being asked to trust him for much more. When we read through the Gospels, we see Jesus commending faith again and again. “Go in peace. Your faith has saved you.” “Your faith has made you well.” He was astonished by the faith of the Centurion who said ‘Just say the word and my servant will be healed.’ He is looking for faith in his people – because through faith, his Kingdom will come and his will will be done. THE WORD THAT RELEASES FAITH Talking about risks… think of Peter stepping out of the boat. The disciples are out on the Lake Galilee and they see Jesus walking towards them on the water. (Matt.14:22-33) And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”9 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Notice three things. Peter asked for Jesus to command him… because he knew the word of Jesus would enable him to do it. It breathes into us that confidence, that sense we are on solid ground. Then in faith he walked on the water as Jesus did. And even as he sank in fear a few moments later… he cried out in faith “Save me!” And Jesus did. I am sure they laughed their way back into the boat, both dripping wet, in spite of Jesus chiding him. He heard the word… he stepped out in faith… and when he started to sink – he cried out in faith again, and was saved. What a picture of how faith works – and how doubt and fear robs us of the solid place on which we can stand. SORTING OUT OUR SINKHOLES Have you ever been in a plane that hit an air pocket? It is a most uncomfortable feeling! That happens to us spiritually too. Suddenly it feels there is nothing secure under us and we start to sink… into fear, anxiety, vain imaginings, despair… we become irritable, and out of sorts. We are not at rest. Often we are in situations that expose places in us where our trust has been broken, where we have wounded places in our heart. Perhaps places where we have been terribly hurt and we cannot forgive or let go of offence. And we keep falling into these painful sinkholes. Jesus wants to put us on solid ground – he wants to reveal his utter dependability in that area of fear and unbelief. He says, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” There is a wonderful verse in Hebr. 13:5. “I will never ever leave you nor forsake you” - but the original language is much, much more emphatic than that. The Amplified version says - “God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you, nor give you up, nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake, nor let you down, or relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!” Do you hear how solid and dependable and firm and sure and reliable this promise is? It is rock solid, because it is made by the one who we can totally rely on. He’s unchangeable, unshakeable. Invite him into that place of pain and fear and ask him to speak. His word in that place can put solid confidence, gentle peace, or a deep assurance of his love. This how he heals our hearts and memories. Let him do it. There are dozens more stories of faith we could explore. Perhaps you can do some of your own research. HOW CAN OUR FAITH BE STRENGTHENED? But there is one question I need to ask? How does our faith – our confidence - become strengthened? • By soaking in the Word… letting his promises wash our hearts, and through the Spirit at times grabbing our hearts - and expect to hear his voice as we do – his assurances – his promises – his commands – even his call into new adventures. • By being with other people of faith. People who will build us up and stir our faith by their stories of how good and dependable God is. The encouragers. • By choosing not to complain about life, but seeking instead to see it from God’s perspective, declaring his goodness in all situations. He is always out to do us good. • By stepping out on his promises, or his call. Taking those risks of faith – and letting others support and encourage us as we do. I am convinced he wants to birth much greater faith in us as a body of people… a greatly expanded sense of expectation and anticipation of his goodness and glory being revealed among us. Not for our sake… but to empower us to bring his love and healing power to our city. I believe many of us have gifts of faith for specific things… and these will increase and multiply. We will begin to pull faith out of each other in exciting ways. In Hebrew 12… the writer says “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race set out for us. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith… why – because he endured and did not grow weary and lose heart.” Faith is the confidence to push through and take hold of what God promises – and it also perseveres – will not be put off – will not get weary. JESUS SAYS ‘YES!’ Keeping our eyes on Jesus, our ears attuned to his voice. Why is this such a key to a life of faith? Because Jesus is the ‘YES’ to all the promises of God. 2 Cor.1:20 says For no matter how many promises God has made, they are YES in Christ, and so through him the AMEN is spoken by us to the glory of God.” He is the one who has the key to them all. He says to us YES HE CAN! God can do all he has promised. He makes real all the promises of God. He has secured for us their reality in this life through his suffering and death. LET’S HEAR A LOUD ‘AMEN!’ And what is our response to Jesus and his eternal YES …. We say AMEN! Let it be! I stand on this word… I am in agreement here! AMEN comes from that first word we looked at AMAN… sureness, confidence, security, certainty. Jesus is looking for our agreement with his promise - our agreement to the leading of the Spirit - our agreement with his whispers of peace and rest. That is faith. Our hearts shouting AMEN… let it be… all you have promised – for everything I need….AMEN. I love this word. I could say it all day. The AMEN of God’s people must be ‘with the full strength of our voice,’ say Hebrew scholars. That means loud and confident. So say these statements out loud – and shout the AMEN! to each one at the end. “He is able to do what he has promised.” AMEN! “I can rest peacefully while he calms the storm.” AMEN! “He can raise up the sick just by a word of command.” AMEN! “I can trust him to give me grace for every challenge I face.” AMEN! “I don’t need to be anxious for anything, because my Heavenly Father knows what I need.” AMEN! I can boldly do everything he asks of me. AMEN! Lord give us more gifts of faith for the work of the Kingdom. AMEN! Explode our faith for conversions, for life transformation. AMEN! Strengthen our faith for a release of healing power among us. AMEN! Deepen our faith for you to reveal yourself more and more as we seek you. AMEN! Keep our eyes fixed on you Jesus. AMEN! You can do far, far more than we can ever think or imagine… AMEN! Through your power at work in us who believe… AMEN!