Believing God to the point of truly thanking Him

By Emily Obwaka.

I recently sensed God challenging me in the area of truly believing Him – not just in saying I trust Him, but getting to the place of thanking Him because I so believe Him. I think it is so Christian to say we believe – after all that is how we become children of God and partakers of the Divine Kingdom. But this should not be all. It is a life of believing, of trusting. 

At one point in Jesus’ ministry, those following Him asked Him ‘What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent.’ (John 6:28,29). The challenge is to believe that God is leading each step of the way and to know that every aspect will fall into place together well and then to even begin to give thanks in anticipation for what He will do!

As I read my devotions this week, 2 Kings 3, tells the story of how three kings came together to fight against the Moabites. Stuck in middle of desert – out of water and convinced they were going to be defeated, they decide to consult Elisha the prophet. Elisha consults God on their behalf and by the Spirit of God instructs them to dig ditches. He assured them that although there was not wind or rain, God would fill the ditches with sufficient water for them and their animals and more, He would give them victory over the Moabites. I love one statement Elisha made that I am holding on for those tough and impossible looking challenges in my life –  ‘This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord... -2 King 3:18). God will do it – and with great ease!  We can speak forth the victory – it shall be because God will make it possible.

What then? Elijah after declaring there will be rain to King Ahab after 3 years of drought in Israel (1King  18:41), went up to Mt. Carmel and put his head between his knees periodically instructing his servant to go and look toward the sea for any sign of rain. Six times he returned with a ‘no show’ answer. The seventh time there was a cloud the size of a man’s fist. The victory was won. 

But I wonder - what prayer was he making through this time? 

• Was it petition, in case God had not heard? 
• Was it a fear-ridden plea of ‘don’t put me to shame’? 

I am inclined to believe that it was a prayer of thanksgiving. Elijah has just seen God answer powerfully by fire to demonstrate His power against the prophets of Baal. Elijah knew that:

 'God watches over the word of His servant to perform it' (Isaiah 44:26). 

And that ‘He who sacrifices thank offering honors God and prepares a way so that God can may show him His salvation (Psalm 50:23). 

Elijah demonstrated faith in God to the place of speaking forth and pressing through by faith with thanksgiving till the victory was won!! For everything we have brought and are bringing to God in prayer, let us believe enough to declare His doing, victory and to thank Him.  

The benefit is the peace of God which passes all understanding...

Written July 9th, 2013.