I SEE you and RAISE my faith!
One of my best memories, as a child, was sitting around my grandparent’s table playing card games. Laughter, fun, and wonder could be found down the basement stairs, next to the black leather couches with the red and white checkered pillows. We would follow the plush carpet into that favorite place that was known to put you in the card playing mood. It was complete with a pool table, game machines, flashing lights, music, and a swordfish hanging on the wall. It was a vibe!
Though I grew up loving card games, I never was a poker player. Old Maid, Go Fish, and later Rummy and Rook were more my speed. However, I did learn a few things about buying into the game, paying attention, and navigating opponents. Today in my prayer time, using card terminology, I felt the Lord challenge me to increase my participation. It wasn’t an invitation to buy in or even to call the opponent's hand, but rather to RAISE the level of faith.
I believe God is saying to us, “Play like you are invested!” It’s not time for partial participation. No more half hearted, folding or giving up. No more throwing away talents, discarding dreams, losing joy, or giving away peace (because the opponent's hand might seem bigger). Whether he tips his hand or makes you believe he has a great one, he doesn’t hold the winning hand. Whether it takes a couple minutes or a couple rounds, we must discern that the opponent's best option is to bluff! And though we could just call the bluff– seeing the distractions, deceptions, and devices he uses to puff himself up or diminish our role— we must know there is more we are called to do.
It is time to realize that victory is not just possible, it is ours. Jesus has secured the victory. We are on the winning team. Jesus’ sacrifice was more than enough! We don’t have to play from our own efforts, will-power, or understanding. We don’t surrender to anyone but Jesus, and that act assures that we are invested and backed by heaven!
Friend, God is calling us to action! It is not enough to simply acknowledge the tactics saying: I see you causing confusion. I see you stirring up dissatisfaction. I see you twisting the truth. No, we must realize that God is challenging us to play like we are invested. While we may see the struggles, hardships, concerns, bank account, tension, frustration, options, or ultimately the opponent, we must go further in our action. We must play like heaven is backing us– choosing to RAISE our faith!
Our faith is not empty or powerless. Our faith is rooted in the Word and Work of Jesus who is the fullness of life and the light that extinguishes darkness. He is the Name above all others and His power and authority trump the enemy's schemes! Because of His ways, truth, and life, we can stand confidently! Because of His power at work in us, we can use our powerful words to shift atmospheres, create space for encounter, and release light that causes darkness to flee.
Friend, if you are tired of giving up or letting disaster, distraction and discouragement win, then it’s time to take the action that will yield a greater payout. If you are ready to do more than call the enemy’s bluff, declare and do these with me:
I raise my worship because I know my God is worthy and no one can measure His greatness
(Psalms 145:3).
I raise my joy in the middle of the hard moments because I know victory is on the other side of my yes (Psalm 128:1).
I raise my courage in the face of opposition because I know the One who holds my future
(Psalm 31:15).
I raise my confidence in the goodness of God because I know that His promises are true and faithfulness great (Psalm 100:5).
I raise my faith level knowing that He has overcome, and overwhelming victory is mine through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).
Today, I won’t just SEE the enemy’s hand, I RAISE my faith
because God’s goodness and faithful love are the banner of victory
over my circumstances, relationships, and soul!
