Faith's Opportunity - Jan Cerfonteyn

The Rock - Paarl

Without faith it is impossible to please God. If we want to step out to take new ground then we need to take faith steps to move into our future! The passage Ps. Jan shared with us this Sunday is out of 2 kings 3:7-20. It is a story of moving forward in faith! Here we find that king Jehoshaphat travels with 2 other kings to overcome their enemy, only to later realise they had no water for their men or animals in the desert. As a result Jehoshaphat insists that they turn to the prophet of God Elisha to ask God to intervene. Because of king Jehoshaphat’s presence, who was a godly man, Elisha was willing to help them. Verse 15-20 tells us how God was able to miraculously provide them with water. 1️⃣ Your challenge is faith’s opportunity The need is necessary to produce faith and for us to grow. God doesn’t want us to be the same, and the challenges we face invite us to have faith! Q - In this season what challenges are you facing or have you faced that called you to have greater faith in God? We need to be strong and very courageous to see the plans and purposes of God come to pass in our lives (Joshua 1:9). Having faith is not a once off event but it is a lifestyle of pressing into God and trusting Him. 2️⃣ The Word is faith’s foundation Because the 3 kings now had a word from God they had hope that God could save them. In moments and seasons like this where God stretches us, we know that pushback comes and it can be hard and uncomfortable. But do we let the Word of God direct our lives? Even if it means God’s way is harder than our own way. Because faith comes by hearing and hearing from the word of God. Is his Word your foundation? Q - how does God’s Word direct your life, even through the tough seasons? 3️⃣ Moving forward is faiths test If we do not move then faith cannot be tested. The 3 kings didn’t have to respond to the Word from the Prophet. It was their choice to trust God, and thankfully doing it God’s way has nothing to do with our ability. Q - Do you know what God is telling you to trust him in and are you ready to start moving in faith? Spend some time in prayer and the Word and discover what God is calling you to trust him in.