“If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.”
1 Timothy 4:6 (NKJV)
As believers, we need to make sure that our faith is strengthened and always growing. Paul encouraged Timothy to make sure the believers in his church were “nourished” in the Word of faith and with good doctrine. When your faith is strong you can be free from the bondages of the enemy and you can rule and reign in life. You have the ability to move mountains, you have the ability to change the circumstances around you to line up with God’s Word.
In Romans 10:15, it states, “How can someone preach unless they are sent?” It goes on to say in verse 17, “…faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God.” God sends and places people in our lives to “nourish” us in the Word of faith. He gives us pastors, leaders, and brothers and sisters in Christ to nourish our faith by “discipling” us. When someone disciples us, they speak and minister God’s Word. They empower us. They also model how to walk out God’s Word in their own lives. Discipleship is the method God uses to strengthen our faith and to help us grow as believers.
The enemy wants us to disconnect from the people God has placed in our lives. The enemy may use offense, or pride, or maybe lie to us that being independent is better. Overall, if we see ourselves being disconnected from the people God has placed in our lives, we have fallen into the trap of the enemy to weaken our faith. When our faith is weak, we can easily be defeated by the attacks of the enemy. Do not fall into the enemy’s lies, but rather embrace the teachings and the ministry of the pastors and leaders that are over us. God placed them in our lives to strengthen and nourish us in faith. Understand that together we are stronger but separated we are weaker. Life was never designed to be independent, but rather interdependent (relying on others). I want to encourage you to remain connected to the people that God gave us, so our faith can remain stronger to win and reign in life.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“Doing life together” is more than just a fancy slogan we say in church. It’s the heart of God for Word of Life. God never designed our life to be alone, but rather He always places us in a community of believers to strengthen and nourish our faith in Him.
In every faith story there will always be challenges and oppositions. A family I know had a desire to move into a brand-new home. They did everything they knew to do to see that desire come to pass. They sowed their faith seed, they held on to God’s Word and kept a strong confession. Although they faced their challenges, their faith remained strong and they kept persevering. The reason why they did not quit when challenges came is because they sought prayer and godly counsel from their leaders and family members. They were able to pray with them and minister to them His Word.
In June 2020 (during the pandemic), God opened the door and blessed this family with a brand-new, beautiful home (C’MON SOMEBODY. TAKE A 10 SECOND PRAISE BREAK!!)! His family, a few other leaders, and I were privileged and honored to be a part of their home blessing. To see the manifestation of God’s promise was beyond our imagination.
Remember God places people in our lives to strengthen and nourish our faith in Him. Do not avoid them, but rather welcome them and embrace them because they will help you rule and reign in this life. (Walter Arguelles)
TODAY’S DECLARATION
“I declare that my faith is strong! Thank You Lord for placing anointed pastors and leaders in my life to strengthen and nourish me in faith. No longer shall I do life alone, but I settle in my heart that I will do life together in Jesus’ Name!”
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
- Old Testament: Ezra 7; Proverbs 5
- New Testament: Luke 14:15-24; 1 Timothy 3:11-16
