As we spend time in God’s word and prayer, we ask Him to do His will in our lives. Scripture tells us “God looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7), “knows the secrets of the heart” (Ps. 44:21), and the excuses of the heart (Luke 16:15). We need Him to reveal our true motivations and lead us in His everlasting way (Ps. 139:23-24). God is faithful to His Word and His purpose will not be thwarted (Job 42:1-2).
God knows all about us and loves us unconditionally. He knows what we need more than we know what we need.
Matthew 6:31-33
Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
In order to have a changed life, to experience the hope, joy, peace, and purpose that Jesus died to give, we practice the SABERS cycle. We don’t just know it. We don’t just talk about it. We live it!
As we respond to God instead of reacting to circumstances, we continue through steps of faith to Seek, Acknowledge, Believe, Expect, Receive, and Surrender. In each new circumstance we pray, praise, and trust God’s purpose.
Jesus has gone before us and given us His sword of truth—scripture. In Him, we are equipped and able to wield our SABERS against the enemy and battle sin that so easily entangles us (Heb. 12:1-2)
While Jesus walked this earth, He taught us to live our spiritual life in child-like faith.
Luke 18:15-17
And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them.16 But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.17 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Spiritual birth initiates the growth process. We can relate to the parallels between physical and spiritual growth.
We delight to see a child seek and acknowledge our love by running toward us with uplifted arms. We treasure the sincere belief and expectation of safety and security in our arms. We encourage a child that receives instruction and surrenders their immature and selfish desires to embrace loving guidance. This is faith.
God delights for us to seek and acknowledge Him. He is pleased by our sincere belief and expectation that He provides in all unknowns. He encourages us as we receive guidance and surrender our wills to His and walk in the hope, joy, peace, and purpose of His love. What a vivid picture of faith applied through the ongoing SABERS Cycle.