About two months ago, I started to realize decreased range of motion and pain in my left knee; then in my right knee; then after recovering 90% or so, I slipped and the right knee condition was exacerbated. I was recovering from the slip and bothered by the lack of ability I was having. I was unable to do most activities (ride bike, play golf, work in the yard). Autumn was coming to an end and the weather conditions that lend to outdoor activities were diminishing. Quite honestly, I had never experienced such a period of impairment and was a bit concerned. Prayer and the laying on of hands by myself; with my wife; with the elders and pastor of the church we attend were not availing results, at least the way I wanted it or thought it should.
Then I received a partner CD from Messenger International (John and Lisa Bevere). As he discussed his topic, he mentioned that he had injured his knee some time back. The symptomatology was bad enough that he sought medical advise: surgery was recommended. He considered his path and decided to go the bible way- trusting God for his recovery/restoration. Nine months later, he noticed one day that the pain was gone and now, his knee is able. At that moment, my six-week experience and concern was blessed by hope through the faith he explained and acted on. The hope that faith brought strengthened me to press on and, most importantly, fear not.
A person begins to feel sick and the symptoms cannot be explained through any previous experience. The person feels bad enough that they seek attention with a physician. The physician examines, orders tests if necessary. The physician reports the findings to the person. "Based upon the findings, I think what you are experiencing is caused by this/that. The treatment is this and the expected success is this." If the physician can, they say, "I think the treatment will help; that you will be ok." The information provided from doctor to patient GAVE THEM HOPE. Do you see how, spiritually speaking, the administration of faith, which is a revelation in the knowledge of Him/a revelation from Him, will inject hope into the circumstance?
Fundamentally, every person has been given a measure of faith(Romans 12:3). From that measure comes a measure of hope. As faith increases (as our understanding of Him, His ways, His will) so does hope for all things that are of His salvation. When the revelation came to Peter from the Father that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus said He was blessed to have that revelation. That revelation produced the hope Peter would need to navigate the demonic assault of condemnation he would experience after denying Jesus as he did.
"Now faith is the realization (understanding) of things hoped for, the confidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
"Where there is no revelation (faith in it's purest from), the people cast off restraint." (Proverbs 29:18)
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Most have experienced ideas that bring excitement for apparently good things. But that excitement wanes when difficulty arises. Faith that comes according to the word of God has along with it the hope that strengthens to keep us in the saddle, bailing out from the vision/revelation/faith is not considered or, if it is considered, the Holy Spirit reminds what Jesus Christ has said to us, refreshing it in us. Hope isn't without the revelation of God behind it, and it strengthens us so that we may receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. (1 Peter 1:9)
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