I Know

I just love reading miraculous stories. I believe these stories are essential in strengthening our faith and walk with Christ. I recently read a story on the internet about a young boy who had leukemia. The little boy was destined to die and there appeared no more hope in sight. It wasn’t a matter of if he would die from the disease but when. He was in hospice, and his body was shutting down. His parents already picked the cemetery where he would be buried.

The little boys’ leukemia was severe and the doctors didn’t even recommend chemotherapy figuring he would not make it through. The parents prayed for direction and felt it was important to try nonetheless. In spite of feeling it wasn’t medically necessary, the doctors chose to proceed with chemotherapy to honor the family’s wishes. Next tumors started appearing all over the boy’s body. The little boy stopped eating and could not sleep. The evening it looked like he would slip into eternity, he began to eat a little. Little by little over the next few days, he began regaining strength. After about two weeks there was no evidence of leukemia in his body. He made a complete recovery.

Sometimes through life’s trials and tribulations our experiences cloud our ability to call upon the promises we know and find in scripture. It’s our responsibility to respond to all situations with the reassuring words, I know. We need to be able to say I know in good and bad times. When the doctor says you will not live, we respond by saying I know what God has to say about that. Being able to say I know is a bi product of knowledge. 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of spiritual gifts. Chapter 13 goes on to explain the three spiritual gifts given to all, faith, hope and love.

With all gifts and everything we do humility is a requirement. Sometimes, we utilize our gift and become prideful in our works instead of putting the glory where it belongs. Pride is often the root of what God hates. Proverbs 6 says there are six things God hates, haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

In Obadiah chapter 1, there is a message to Edom. Obadiah prophesied a battle to come. Those in Edom had been very prideful in their accomplishments and felt they were untouchable. Obadiah had a differing opinion explaining how they could be robed, lied to, and stabbed in the back. All aspects of extortion from taking advantage of people, laughing at hardship, and standing by to watch others fail were addressed. In the end these people found their demise. Like stated in Proverbs 16:18 pride comes before failure.

We are told in Psalm 119:11 if we hide God’s word in our hearts, we are less likely to sin against him. God’s word helps us govern our pride and provides us knowledge required in the pursuit of our purpose. Getting back to the spiritual gifts given which are the platform of our knowledge, Psalm 3:2-6 talks about the gift of Hope found in Christ. We realize God is our shield who lifts our head. We can sleep and be sustained by Him. We don’t have to fear the demons all around attempting to attack and destroy us. From this we find hope.

The gift of love is clearly spelled out in 1 Corinthians 13 requiring us to have love. We cannot move in Christ or perform our gifts without the love of God rooted in those actions. Otherwise we are just wasting everyone’s time. This goes for acting upon any spiritual gift God has given us. While pursuing our purpose, we must make sure all of our actions are rooted in the love of Christ. This means we aren’t envious, impatient, unkind, jealous, prideful, conceited, self-seeking, disrespectful, or keep track of people’s mistakes. Love does not give up on people. Instead it helps inspire and encourage.

The gift of faith is difficult because it is one of the greatest mysteries we have in life. In Mark chapter 9 a father was desperate asking Jesus to heal his child. Jesus asked if he believed his child would be better and the father was very honest. He said I believe, but basically I doubt it. Sometimes we need the supernatural gift of faith because it is almost unimaginable to see a promise come to fruition. Yet we only need the faith of a mustard seed to be able to move mountains. In John 20, Thomas who walked with and knew Jesus said he needed to see the scars in order to believe the resurrection. 8 days later he saw proof. The truth is, we can’t believe many good things will happen and only because of a supernatural gift are we able to believe.

Once we act upon our gifts, there is a proper way to do so. We must remain humble. Philippians 2:3 admonishes our intentions to ensure we aren’t selfish but instead we are to be valuing others above ourselves. Proverbs 11:2 advises us that humility comes with wisdom. James 4:10 tells us to stay humble before God so he can elevate us.

Just as Job said, we know our redeemer lives. We are called to be free as stated in Galatians 5:13. Knowledge is freedom. It is God’s will for us to be free from stresses and oppressions we endure in life. In all circumstances whether an outstanding bill, mistreatment from someone else, difficulties at work , a sickness and so on, the best way to respond to the situations is from the knowledge we gain through Christ and the scriptures. We need to know the solution before the problem. Knowledge is a great platform but the strength to go through various situations comes from Christ.

Psalm 91 tells us to dwell in Christ. Dwelling in Christ entails knowing Him and his word. When we do so, we get the benefit of his protection, guidance and the ability to see spiritual victories. You are not ignorant, you are not ill equipped. Instead you have direct access with the ever living God your savior who has a vested interest in you. He wants you to succeed and prosper regardless of what situation you find yourself in. Good or bad you know how to conduct yourself.
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I am certain you will strive with all your ability to have a Godly response in all you do. As it says in Galatians 3:26 (AMP) “For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above--spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus.” I know it. We declare it. We accept it and we will live it.