The Acquirement of Faith
Greetings and good morning, brothers and sisters. This is Dr. James Perry continuing with our series, where we seek to explore the deeper meanings of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years the Heavenly Father has revealed many revelations of spiritual truth to me, and I want to share them with you. This morning we will ponder our lives as we seek the acquirement of faith.
The acquirement of faith is a precious thing, more precious than gold for with it all spiritual things
that are possible can be realized. After we acquire this faith, we are empowered to trust him more. We begin to consciously experience the goodness of God. God is good and it is a good thing to trust him. Always will we know Him because we trust Him. This faith and trust transports us into the Kingdom of Heaven, where there is joy and righteousness in the spirit.
And now, sit back and listen to today's message.
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you." Isaiah,
Chapter 26, Verse 3.
The Acquirement of Faith
After crossing the raging river of the old life to the new, I have been led to a place of rest beside
spiritual waters. Though I have laid my burdens of life down I still feel the weight of them. I am like a runner who has run many miles, who after stopping feels as if he is still running. I feel some nostalgia at ceasing to struggle. In a moment of panic I wonder: what will now occupy my time? But as I rest beside the spiritual waters of my new life my soul is enveloped by a peacefulness that is not seriously disturbed by material ups and downs.
All of this is very new to me and I do not know exactly how to behave. I feel troubled at not knowing what lies ahead; yet the peacefulness surrounding my soul is real. What does lie beyond the spiritual waters of new life? I do not know, but I cannot go back because the road back is no longer an option. Neither do I wish to return to the old ways. But as I rest beside spiritual waters tears spring to my eyes, sadness covers my soul, and I mourn over that which can never be. I regret joys that never could be realized. I ponder destinies that are forever beyond my reach.
As I rest the reality of the present envelops my soul. As darkness slowly but surely covers the night,my confusion is slowly lifting. Gradually the veil is being lifted from the eyes of my soul. Like eyes that have dwelt too long in darkness I blink and squint, trying to adjust to the light of new life. But I have confidence that I can make the adjustment, for the spirit of God lives within me. He has me by the hand of my soul. Though I do not always understand the whys and therefores of life's situations, I do understand that He knows best. What looks to me like the bottom of despair is in fact the foundation for true happiness. I am beginning to realize I must cross over the spiritual waters of new life and travel beyond the horizon of hope into the land of faith.
No longer at rest, I arise and stretch my soul's limbs, walking closer to the waters' edge. Just how will I cross these waters? I am not a swimmer and I see no boat. Still the urge to cross grows stronger; I become aware of a voice within me, saying "I am the way." After much agony, I plunge into the spiritual waters of new life. Instead of sinking to the bottom of nothingness I begin to walk on the waters' surface. I stagger at the implication of what I am doing, or more correctly what is being done for me. My imagination says that I am sinking, but as I look with the eyes of faith, I see that I am still walking on the surface of spiritual waters. I know now that my Savior is with me for I have placed my life completely in His hands. My will is to do His will without reservation. I am headed for the promised land--the land of faith.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast. This concludes today's message on the acquirement of faith. We hope you find something in this message to ponder and pray about as you go about your day. Until next time, this is Dr. James Perry.
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By Dr. James Perry
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The Acquirement of Faith
