It's Simple, But it Ain't
easy
by Pastor Bill Pevlor
Anyone who has ever labeled the endeavor to live in victory by faith in
Christ as “easy believism” has obviously never tried it! (Or at least not
for long.) The principles of living by faith are simple. There is no question
about that. Even a child can understand them. In fact, children often have an
easier time living by faith than adults!
One example is the principle of asking. The Bible clearly states in Luke
11:9, that if we ask we will receive. Another scripture declares that we do not
have because we do not ask (James 4:2). The concept is clear - God desires to
give us what we ask for, especially when our desires line up with His will as
revealed in His Word. In John 15:7 Jesus said, “If you remain in me and my
words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”
That’s as clear an invitation to present your requests (as well as a promise
that you will receive) as you could ever hope to find, yet many Christians are
hesitant to come right out and ask God for what they really want. Why? Perhaps
they have asked before and seemingly gotten no response. The natural tendency is
to decide, “This doesn’t work, “ and give up. But the Bible clearly tells
us to ask! As parents know, children have no hang-ups about asking for what they
want. As adults, we need to return to that child-like faith and continue to ask.
Another example of a simple principle that is not necessarily easy to
apply is forgiveness. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we
also have forgiven our debtors,” (Matthew 6:12). Easy to say, but often
very difficult to actually do! Once again, children seem to be way ahead of us
in this simple, yet difficult, task. Have you ever noticed how quickly they are
able to put aside insults or offenses? Moments after a quarrel or confrontation
they are once again happily playing side by side. The older we get, and the more
times we are hurt, the harder it often becomes to forgive. They say time heals
all wounds, but if the wound is continually scraped, jabbed and reopened soon it
become scarred and calloused. A heart hardened by years of hurt and bitterness
makes true forgiveness extremely difficult. Yet this is not optional. Jesus said
in Matthew 18:35, that we must forgive others if we want God to forgive us. Even
though we must be the ones to forgive, it is God who gives us the ability to do
so, if we will rely on Him to help us. God promised a remedy for the “hardened
heart” in the book of Ezekiel. “I
will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you
your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Eze.
36:26) There may be someone in your life who has done something so
terrible you feel you could never forgive them, but the Spirit of God working in
you can change your heart and give you the ability to forgive anyone, if
you’ll let Him.
Another area of faith people often struggle with is finances. Jesus said,
“Give, and it will be given to you...” (Luke 6:38). While this
principle can be applied in many areas such as giving kindness, courtesy, and
respect, it is certainly also true in finances. The prophet Malachi declared
that if we regularly give to God, He will pour out a blessing on us that we
won’t even have room to contain (Malachi 3:8-10), yet very few Christians
consistently give even a tenth of their income to God. Many argue that they
simply cannot afford it, and based on their monthly budget that may be true. But
remember, we are talking about living by faith. God said that if you would bring
a tithe (tenth) of your income to Him that you would be blessed well beyond what
you gave. Who would be silly enough to pass up a deal like that, unless, of
course, you didn’t believe it. Hebrews describes faith as being certain of
what we do no see. (Heb. 11:1) That means giving to God first, even when we
can’t logically see how it works out on paper.
It takes faith to trust God that will provide, as promised. That is
simple, but not easy.
Living by faith is a requirement for a victorious, successful Christian.
In fact, Hebrews 11:6 declares that without faith it is impossible to please
God. It is not merely difficult. The Bible says it is “impossible.” Faith is
not an option, it is an absolute requirement. The Bible clearly outlines the
principles by which a Christian should live, and they all require faith. While
these principles may be simple to articulate, they are not always easy to apply,
but that is not an exemption from fulfilling them. In our own natural abilities
it may be difficult, or even impossible, but with God ALL things are possible!
It is simply a matter of faith!
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Faith Ministries
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Phone: 920-487-5775
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