Invaders on the Loose! Rivers of Faith, Conclusion
I would like to conclude this journey about faith with one simple text: "If
anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the
Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. By this
he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive."
(John 7:37-39 NIV)
These streams of living waters really do exist. They are provided by God's
Spirit to those who believe. Everybody is affected differently by these living
waters, but one thing we all have in common is this: They change the very core
of our being!
Exhaustion was tapping on my shoulders and an infection was invading my body. I
had promised to help lead a presentation that night, in a city at a fair
distance from my home. I slept before heading to the meeting, but when I woke up
I had a horrendous headache. No way would I be able to lead that night. No way,
that is, unless I believed God's promise: "I can do everything through him who
gives me strength" (Phil 4:13 NIV), the very "streams of living waters" we just
referred to.
As soon as I left home, my headache mysteriously disappeared and energy flowed
through my veins. I felt the presence of God within me, and with such an Ally on
my side, the meeting was a huge success.
Interestingly enough, the headache and the fatigue returned as soon as I arrived
back home. It was like they had been impatiently waiting for me to get back
home! And they stayed with me for the following four days. But those four days
of sickness gave me the opportunity to spend time with my Heavenly Father. I
sure do need that time with Him!
The last day of my sickness, I slept most of the day. That night I had another
meeting nearby, and again I claimed victory in Jesus. There again, I was filled
with His presence. His energy is what led again to a successful meeting, and the
next day I was 100% back to my normal, healthy, energetic self.
Often God confronts us with this question "Do you believe that I am able to do
this?" (Matt 9:28 NIV)
More often than not, we face the answer with inner doubt. We live in a confusing
world, after all, but truly, "according to your faith will it be done to you"
(Matt 9:29 NIV).
These "streams of living waters" are available to all of us.
How will we answer God's question to us: "Do you believe that I am able to do
this?" (Matt 9:28 NIV)
"How can I face what I am going through?"
"Quite simply, with faith! God's Spirit will be your guide."
Rob Chaffart