Our faith in God is more than a philosophy; it is a way of life. Our biblical world-view gives us a confident and optimistic attitude despite ever-worsening conditions around us.
“All things work together for good to those who love God.” (Rom. 8:28).
One of the daughters of a family in our congregation who had left the faith became upset by the rocket attacks (in November) and turned her life back to the Lord. Even the difficulties in the Middle East are part of a long, patient process from God to soften the hearts of our people and to create faith and moral courage within us.
”Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father.” (Eph. 5:20)
”Give thanks in all things.” (1 Thess. 5:18)
Giving thanks involves opening our mouths to say something. In Hebrew it is the same root as confess or declare. We give thanks to the Lord for He is good (Psalm 136:1-3).
This involves our prayers. If we pray and believe that we receive (Mark 11:23), then we give thanks while we pray. If we pray without giving thanks, then we are praying without believing that we receive. That kind of prayer may just be an exercise of worry and anxiety, which doesn’t do any good, and may even make the situation worse.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” (Phil. 4:6)
By faith, we can obey God, being confident that He rewards those who diligently seek to do His will (Hebrews 11:6). Thus we can do anything with a positive attitude.
“Do all things without complaining and arguing.” (Phil. 2:14)
We read this verse aloud in one of our staff meetings, and joked that it sounded like a Gentile Christian insertion in the text. It seems that part of our Jewish culture is to complain and argue about everything—it’s like our “national sport.” Is it possible to do things without complaining!?—without arguing!? Yes, we can, by faith.
“Everything you do, do it with all your heart, for the Lord’s sake and not for the sake of men.” (Col. 3:23)
By faith in Yeshua and the power of His crucifixion and resurrection, we can do all things with enthusiasm and energy. Even when the situation is horrible and totally against our will, as it was for Yeshua at Gethsemane, we can pray that not our will be done, but His. Then His will becomes our will, and we can do it with all our inner strength and focus.
For the original article, visit reviveisrael.org.
