God's promises

I volunteer at kid's church and at times I also learn with the kids. I may have heard and read the stories countless time but in that same story, there is a new revelation. When God promised Abram to leave his country and people to go to a land that He promised (Genesis 12). Abraham did that, he believed God and left to go to an unknown land. I find this sense of faith, a faith bigger than a mustard seed. Leave all you know and have ever known to an unknown land, uncertain on what lies ahead because of a promise. Faith is to hope for things not seen, rendering them as if they are (my definition). I once heard that the currency of God's kingdom is FAITH, I now see it as seeds planted, patiently waiting for the abundant harvest. No wonder it was counted as righteousness when Abraham believed God. I sometimes wonder because we are from Him, the familiarity of His voice is known to us even though He has not spoken to one before. Now Abraham's harvest was more descendants more than the stars he can count. Abraham's need (lack of a child) was met in abundance not just in descendants but all areas of his life was blessed. And that blessing continued to his descendants. 

However, for God's promise to be fulfilled we have a part to play so that it comes to fruition. In the book of Joshua 21:43-45 (the Israelites have arrived in Canaan and settled), God fulfilled His promise to the Israelites. God's promises are not subject to time but they are subject to one's obedience.  The faithless generation died (40 years) so that the faithful ones can go and occupy the promised land. Abraham leaving his place was him obeying God. Faith precedes obedience. It seems like promises are like contacts between (in this case) God and man. Just like any contract, both parties have a part to play so that what is to be achieved (promise) can come to pass. The Israelites had to fight for the land to occupy it. God was always with them, He helped them conquer all their enemies. He fulfilled all His promises to the Israelites. God funds His plans. When God promises, we should not only have faith, we should obey (action) Him so that His promises are fulfilled.

Ask of God

Why do you ask God? God says whatever you ask in His name it shall be given to you (John 14:14). Is there a condition attached to this? Is asking for self desires answered? I think the answer to this question depends not only on our faith but also on God's will. He knows us more than we know ourselves. He knows the conditions of our hearts and why we ask. Is it out of need? Our selfish desires?  Or for those around us? Only God knows.

When  I ask, I want to ask in alignment with God's will so as not to ask amiss (James 4:3). At times it appears as if with constant persistence in prayer, we may receive what we asked "amiss" for only to find that it was not good for us even though at the time it seemed good. Fortunately, the all-knowing, full of grace and mercy God, in His love always brings us back to the path that He planned for us before we were born, only If we surrender to Him. It is amazing to know the relationship of God to each individual can be the most intimate description of marriage. Anyway, ask to know His will so that you can pray and ask according to the will that has been revealed to you.

Problems gives rise to creative solutions

All nations in the world have problems, even the ones that appear to be doing well have problems. When problems arise, it is an opportunity to find solutions, both temporary and permanent. It is sad to see that most people (depending on the country) depend on the government to come up with solutions. They are not wrong to think that, however, those who rule don't always have answers. And that is not necessarily a bad thing. I don't believe it is only a few people in this world that were meant to make a difference. It is for each and every one of us to take responsibility and purposefully be the change we want to see. To do the change and not just talk about it. We were created in this generation to be the problem solvers. We are skilled, talented and gifted in various ways. What we have is enough for us to build the nation and fix what is broken. It is not just governments responsibility to build the country, it is for each and every individual living in it. It doesn't have to be a big thing, the smallest act of kindness goes a long way. Donating a meal a day if you are able, leaves one less person to turn to crime due to hunger. Collectively we can make nations great if we are united for a common goal. To love each other, accept each other differences and reach a place of understanding. To focus on the greater good of all and not just yourself. To see peace and change in the world is an ideal that is bigger than all of us. Little acts of change within our communities accumulatively will be a big change when we are united. Division, on the other hand, has led to the problems we see now. We may have a solution to a problem, but the solution may not be implemented because of lack of unity, tolerance and understanding. Therefore, to see the change we want see, we have to actively do out part and pray that others will join.  Nothing is impossible with God.