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
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.