Let’s first consider ACTION. A classic example in God’s Word and in the ministry of Jesus, is the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 5:25-34).
This woman had a serious medical condition and needed help. She had taken action many times before her encounter with Jesus, and it did her no good. Her natural mind and desperation caused her to seek help, but she needed more than the world could give her. Then she heard about Jesus and the miracles He had performed. He was nearby and she had faith in her heart that if she could simply get to Him and touch His garment, she would be healed.
Because of her belief in who Jesus was (the Healer), and having heard about Jesus (the Living Word) and His miracles, she had faith to believe. But her faith HAD to take action in order to release power. It had to come alive in her heart and life. Her faith was revealed through the actions she took.
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). This woman heard of the miracles Jesus had been doing. She heard about Him being sent from God.
“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James 2:14). Faith without works is dead, or non-producing. True faith always compels action on our part.
When she touched (action) the hem of Jesus robe, she was healed. In this situation, action was required. Jesus immediately felt healing power flow out of Him when He connected to a person with faith. “And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction” (Mark 5:34).
Now let’s look at when waiting is the right course of action and why it also takes faith to wait.
“But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31 ).
Waiting on the Lord, unfortunately, is largely misunderstood. When we look at Scripture about waiting, we see the expectation of what is yet to come. Conditions have been met. Obedience has been fulfilled, and then we wait in faithful expectation. Examples of waiting in Scripture are: we wait for the Lord’s return. But while we are waiting, we are active, living out our salvation. We wait for the manifestation of healing AFTER we have done all that the Word requires.
When we look at the disciples who were gathered in the Upper Room, they were told to WAIT for the Holy Spirit. Did they passively sit on the floor and kill time? No. They were in active prayer and praising the Lord, preparing their hearts for the gift that was promised.
In addition, Ephesians 6:10-20, regarding spiritual warfare, instructs the believer on how to prepare to wage and win the battle. This passage first tells us to take responsibility as we put on the full armor of God. Then we are told to STAND. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). The next verse repeats the last command of the previous verse and begins with the words: “Stand therefore…”
Waiting, and being still before the Lord, indicate that we have done all we are able to do. We have fulfilled His requirements and now are waiting for the answer. During the waiting time, we praise in faith, we counter any circumstance or thought, word, or deed, that is contrary to what we are believing for.
Consider the following sequence of events:
- God took action first, to give us a Savior to redeem us from sin and the clutches of Satan. Then He gave us His Word so that we would know what we can put our faith in.
- We respond by believing what God has provided all we need for victory, and we take action in agreement with God’s Word–spirit, soul (mind, will and emotions), and body.
- Then we remain standing in faith, actively responsive to anything God directs us to do… waiting for the promise, praising in faith, rebuking anything contrary to our faith.
“Standing in faith” requires us to engage in active battle to hold our place, as we wait on the Lord. This is Ephesians 6 being implemented to “hold our ground.” We must fight fear with faith (God’s Word). We must fight doubt in our mind (renewing our mind continuously with God’s Word). We must fight every thought or thing that tells us they are more powerful than what God has promised. And we must wait with expectant praise in our mouth for as long as it takes.
Second Corinthians 10:5 describes this type of spiritual warfare. “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). We do this while we are waiting.
Isn’t it interesting that waiting requires so much action on our part? If you have waited passively for God to do something and you are not actively engaged in the wait, you likely have not received your answer. Sadly, when we don’t do things God’s way, we are left disappointed and often blame God for the failed battle.
It’s like holding a firehose filled with water that has tremendous pressure behind it. But because we don’t take the correct action and turn the release lever, the force of water is never released. And we finally give up, as we think, “Well, this doesn’t work!”
We must be faithful partners with God. Let me remind you… God never fails. God does not lie. And God is faithful to those who take the time and attention to come into agreement with His way of doing things. He loves YOU and wants to minister to you. He has already paid in full for your salvation, your healing, your deliverance, your pain, your victory, and more. Praise the Lord!!! You can do this!
With God, nothing is impossible!
Dale and Paula Black
HEAVEN PROJECT: Every person is precious to God and that also means YOU. Let’s join together to reach more. Please prayerfully give today to help us reach more souls for God’s kingdom. Thank you!
Standing on the corners of our city, we remind people that there is only ONE way to heaven—Jesus.
The Car d’Alene event was a huge success. Many stopped to talk and we were able to share Jesus with many. Thank you for all who prayed. Your participation helped us break through every barrier to lift up Jesus.
Following the outreach on the streets, there is a Bible teaching and a time of “Questions and Answers” to help new believers and Christians grow in a deeper understanding of who God is, and how He works in our lives. God is blessing and multiplying. Thank you for your prayers for new souls.
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“Thank you Dale. Just what I need so much at this time. Bless you all for your wonderful faith and I thank the Lord for your leadership through these inspiring messages.” Nancy – Canada
“Thank you Dale, I truly believe you are in tune with God. Thank you for the work you do in God’s ministry. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to continually guide us.” Mike – Minnesota
“Bless you and Paula for your continued teaching that is Word ruled during these difficult days. God is using you in my life in amazing ways. I am growing and stronger because of your faithfulness.” Debbie – Washington
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Thank you Dale and Paula for all your hard work and devotion to spread the WORD.
God bless you both and your family