Every journey has its difficulties; such is our lives. There are unforeseen problems which must be overcome. There are challenges which musts be met. The Word of God declares in Galatians Ga 5:7 “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” A good question for many if not all of us. It begins with “Ye did run well”. The Apostle Paul is writing to the church. When they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord their faith soared and their joy abounded. They were so thankful for what Jesus had done for them. They were good examples of the Christian faith. Then Paul posed a question. What’s the problem? You were going so well. Who (or what) has hindered you?
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). God has not changed (Mal. 3:6). The Word of God will never pass away (Mt. 24:35).
We are instructed to live and walk by faith. What happened? Did you hear someone say it doesn’t always work? Did someone say God doesn’t do that anymore, that it was just for the days of the Apostles? Did you quit feeding your spirit with the Word of God and lapsed into a spiritual coma? What doth hinder you?
The Apostle Paul was confronted with many hardships and seeming impossibilities yet he persevered. Why? He kept pressing towards the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ. He laid aside everything that challenged the Word of God and just kept getting up when he was knocked down and simply believed the Word of God had the final say. Simple. Simple however doesn’t make it easy. The Apostle Paul maintained an attitude of faith in Jesus and the Word that stirred in his heart.
Today, many (even whole denominations) are under the impression that God has changed. He doesn’t heal anymore, Pentecost and the baptism of the Holy Ghost are things of the past, they say. Praise and worship has been exchanged for form and fashion. They would rather believe a Pharisee than Scripture. Someone’s experience many times has been placed above the Word of God. The opinion of someone highly esteemed can quickly move us into a place of doubt and unbelief if we have not been careful to keep our minds renewed on the Word of God (Eph. 4:23-24).
How is it with you? Is healing a thing of the past? Read Ex. 15:24, Ps. 103:3, Ps. 147:3, Mt. 8:17, Luke. 5:15, 1 Pet. 2:24). God hasn’t changed; His Word hasn’t changed, His love and His power hasn’t changed and will hasn’t changed. If you or I have some pain or discomfort and are in need of healing that has not come; that doesn’t nullify the Word of God. It is our responsibility to come to the place where we absolutely believe the Word of God and it then is God’s responsibility to see that the Word of God comes to pass. God may use medicine, surgery, changes in lifestyle, prayer, faith or even perform a miracle; but Exodus 15:26b still rings true “for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” Now, go and read the first part of that verse.
Maranatha!