One should see God in all of life. Therefore, as James said, "For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that" (James 5:15). Jesus prayed, not that His will be done but His Father's be done. He recognized the presence of His Father always. A long time ago, David declared God to be everywhere.

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee (Ps. 139:8-12).

Finally, David declared, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts ... lead me in the way everlasting" (vv. 23-24). He was a man after God's own heart. This was not because David was a perfect man. He fell far short of that. But he trusted God and returned to Him for forgiveness. He depended upon God.

Elijah manifested a strong faith at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:17-46). He did this against seemingly unsurmountable odds. There were 450 prophets of Baal and 400 of the groves all standing together for Baal. Elijah stood alone for Jehovah - "if God be for you who can be against you?" Truly, God and one person of real faith make a majority in power for righteousness.

Elijah saturated his sacrifice with water, called upon God to send down the fire, and God responded with tire. Baal failed his prophets, for he was an idol. Paul said, "We know an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one" (1 Cor. 8:4). The people had been deceived and Elijah proved God to be true. He challenged and won. The people fell on their faces and said, "The Lord, He is the God; the Lord, he is the God."

Elisha, another true prophet of the Lord, prayed that God would open his servant's eyes so he could see. He did. "And, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha" (2 Kings 6:17).

We need to open our eyes by faith and see God as a real living, eternal and all-powerful being. We need to see His way and walk faithfully therein.

Faith Is A Wonderful Blessing

What are some of the blessings which result from true faith?

1. Faith will lead one to "draw nigh to God" and will enable one to see God's nearness (James 4:8).

Is there anything that one needs more than a realization of God's newness? Jesus promised His apostles that upon their making disciples and teething them to observe all His commandments, "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20). This is the fellowship that we have with the Father and His Son, Jesus (1 John 1:3-7).

2. Faith will humble one in the sight of the Lord (lames 4:10). "Humble yourself therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Pet. 5:6). Faith will also help one to cast his cares upon the Lord, "for he careth for you" (1 Per. 5:7).

3. Faith will lead one to "resist the devil" and "resist stedfast in the faith" (1 Pet. 5:9). The believer will take God's way of escape when temptation arises (James 4:7; 1 Cor. 10:12-13).

4. Faith will close one's mouth to evil speaking and lead one to love. This love "rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth" (1 Cor. 13:4, 6).

5. Faith will lead one into an active, committed life (James 1:25; 3:17, 20, 24). He will present his body as a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Cod" (Rom. 12:1). The man of faith will not be conformed to this world but will be renewed in Christ (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17).

6. Faith will open one's heart and mouth to the Father through Jesus (1 Tim. 2:4-6; Heb. 8:6; 12:24; 1 John 2:1-2). "The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and his ears are open unto their prayers" (1 Pet. 3:12). Prayer is not an arbitrary demand but, rather, a blessed oppor-tunity afforded the Christian. I know no greater blessing afforded the child of God upon the earth than prayer. One can thank the Father, praise Him, make requests and ask forgiveness. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5:17).

Let us serve God by faith that we may enjoy His wisdom, power, and presence. The wonderful blessings of faith come through the obedience of faith, which is reveal-ed in the gospel of Christ. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:16-17). Why not obey the gospel now and obtain all of its wonderful blessings?

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 14, pp. 423-424
July 21, 1983