Thinking Faith (ATP)
One of Pastor Jeff’s scriptures recently used in a sermon was Ephesians 3:20, and he said he has been thinking more faith lately. So my question is, how do you think faith? What would that look like? Is that kinda of like just hoping a lot?
Thinking in line with faith would be the equivalent to Joshua 1:8, which says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” This absolutely is as you said, living and thinking in line with hope, or remember, that expected outcome. What outcome do we expect? Do we expect what the Word says or do we expect what the world says? Does the circumstance rule our thinking or does the Word of God rule our thinking? Look at Hebrews 11:1 in the Amplified Bible, “NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].”
To think faith is to continually set your mind on things above. Colossians 3:2, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Notice this word “set” denotes a choice on our part. We must choose to set or fix our minds correctly. Meditating is just this. We choose to think and murmur, or really speak, in line with righteousness, faith and trust in the fact that God is Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We must choose to think in line with faith, meaning the total confidence and assurance in what the Word says, no matter what. Romans 8:5-6, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” This is exactly what Joshua 1:8 was saying, success comes as we keep our attention in the right place.
I know from my own experience with the Lord, that many times I won’t be specifically asking God for something, but I’ve had a thought that something would bless me. (Yes, just a thought!) Many times after this, that thing will just show up in my life. I wasn’t even hoping for it per-say. I never even asked for it. I simply thought about it.
Other times, I may not be free to speak or confess scriptures because I’m working or busy with natural things. Of course, I’m not dismissing the importance of faith and Word confession, but sometimes we’re not able to speak aloud. Sometimes I have to think faith. Have you ever pondered your situation in your mind? Well, me too! The next question is, what does the outcome look like in your thoughts? Is the world ending tomorrow? Is nothing going to go your way? Or is God going to come through? Are you stronger than the trial? Are you more than a conqueror?
Proverbs 23:7 tells us a very important truth, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” This word “heart” actually means mind. Your faith starts in your mind. Meditate on the Word that you may observe to do all that is written. Set your mind on things above. Our thinking sure matters for our success.
Let’s look now at Ephesians 3:17-20, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” That word “hearts” means the “thoughts or feelings (mind)”, if you look it up in the concordance with the original language. In verse 20 it says that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask OR think. I love this! As we set our minds on Him, our thought-life is filled with righteous, faith-filled thoughts, He can do more for our lives than we can ever imagine. How is that? Because as a man thinks, so is He. As we believe so will we receive.
I love what Dr. Dufresne used to say, “you can’t stop a bird from flying over your head but you can stop it from making a nest in your hair.” You’re going to have thoughts that come that aren’t faith thoughts. That’s normal and anyone who never has a thought of doubt or offense or fear must not be living on this earth! But the important understanding here is that we refuse to think about the thoughts that aren’t in line with our faith in the Lord. Just as we are diligent in so many areas of our lives, whether it be in a job or a sport or a hobby, we need to be diligent in, as 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” Let’s bring every thought into the obedience of faith. If it’s not faith thinking it’s not my thinking! Amen!?
Be Blessed,
Pastor Renée
