Discipleship

We, having the same Spirit of faith according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; (2 Corinthians 4:13)

Precious One, in as much as there is the word of faith, Scripture makes mention of the Spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13). In other words, there is a Spirit behind the God-kind of faith. It is this Spirit who works in us both to will and to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). When you heard the gospel for the first time, it was the Spirit of faith who used the word to ignite faith in you to believe in Him whom the Father has sent (John 6:29).

It is possible to read the Bible and not appreciate it. It is possible to hear a sermon and ridicule it. To the natural man the things of the Spirit are foolish (1 Corinthians 2:14). Yet to us who have the Spirit of faith, it is wisdom. Glory to God.

An incident is mentioned in the book of Samuel. Saul was going to be made king. As a result, Samuel (the prophet) anointed him in private with oil (1 Samuel 10:1). Later on, Samuel (the prophet) met with the elders of the tribes of Israel in Mizpah, to cast a lot in choosing who will be king over Israel (1 Samuel 10:17). He made all the tribes to pass before him and the tribe of Benjamin was chosen (1 Samuel 10:20). After, he made all the families of Benjamin pass before him and the family of Matri was chosen (1 Samuel 10:21) and out of this family Saul (the son of Kish) was chosen. They looked for Saul and he was nowhere to be found. Saul was afraid of the whole idea that he is going to be king over God's people so he went hiding. Being king over God’s inheritance is an enormous responsibility. When he was later found (1 Samuel 10:23), Samuel (the prophet) presented him to Israel (1 Samuel 10:24). When Saul was presented to Israel, not everyone accepted him. Some questioned how this coward could save them from their enemies (1 Samuel 10:27).

But something interesting happened. Nahash, king of Ammon, attacked Jabeshgilead (a city in the land of Gilead in the half-tribe of Manasseh, on the other side of the Jordan). The people of Jabeshgilead requested a memorandum of understanding between them and Nahash king of Ammon, to serve him (1 Samuel 11:1). Nahash's terms of the agreement included putting out everyone's right eye, making it a disgrace upon all Israel (1 Samuel 11:2). The people of Jabesh Gilead could not succumb to this. Hence they requested 7 days grace period to see if they could find help. If not, then they will have no choice but to submit themselves to the terms (1 Samuel 11:3).

Now, this is what happened. The people of Jabeshgilead sent messengers throughout Israel for help to ward off Nahash but they found none until they came to Gibeah, the city of Saul (1 Samuel 11:4-5). They narrated the situation they find themselves in, and it is recorded that the people of Gibeah wailed for them. Thus the best they could do for their brothers in Jabeshgilead is to wail. At the time the people of Gibeah were wailing for their brothers, Saul had just returned from the field. Upon hearing the plight of the people of Jabeshgilead, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and his anger was aroused (1 Samuel 11:6). He took his father's oxen and slaughtered it, cutting it into pieces and with those pieces, he sent them throughout entire Israel with a message - "…this is what shall be done to the oxen of the one who does not come after Saul and Samuel to war” (1 Samuel 11:7).

• Interestingly, his message stirred up the people to follow him. This is something you should take note of. By his word 330,000 men gathered unto him (1 Samuel 11:8). This is the man who was questioned whether he can save Israel from her enemies.
• Secondly Saul issued a statement of faith. He commanded the messengers of Jabeshgilead to return home. When they arrive, they are to inform the elders of the city that tomorrow about the time the sun is at its peak and hot, help would have arrived. I love this. Saul gave them time and assured them of the help they are looking for. This boldness/ confidence in the day of adversity can only be by the Spirit of faith.

Precious One, the Spirit of faith is the Holy Spirit of God whom we have received. He is the doer of the word of God, the mind and plans of God. He works to produce in us the faith we need, to work the works of God.  You also, having the same Spirit of faith according as it is written, "I believed and therefore have I spoke", choose to believe the word of God today and speak it forth. The Holy Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of Faith, will take your words and turn them into extraordinary results. Glory to Jesus!