The God that answers by fire (2)

Sunday, 06 November 2022 05:59

The God that answers by fire (2) - Taiwo Akinola

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God answers, but what are the questions?

Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not ~ Jeremiah 33:2-3.

Introduction

God continuously invests in our lives and ministers to us so that we can be effective witnesses to His omnipotent power, matchless grace and infinite love (Acts 1:8). Conversely, false idols often use up the time, energy and physio-spiritual resources of their devotees, and leave them depleted. No doubt, the Bible God is the true God that answers by fire. Yes, He answers by fire, but then, we must become familiar with what the questions really are.

We all occasionally face challenging times in life, when we find ourselves in situations wherein we waver between belief and unbelief (1 Kings 18:21). At such times, we ask the questions: what, where, when, how, why? But sometimes, we are unable to voice out those questions because we think they are outrightly embarrassing. Hence, they remain mere thoughts and unspoken questions of the heart, and then we ask, what if?

Who is this God that answers by fire? What’s the fire like today? How does He bring about solutions to our life’s issues? How can someone connect to Him or attract His attention for on-time answers? It’s very important that we allow the Bible to answer these life-questions. If we do not actively know the mind of the Lord on any issue, we may end up believing the lies of the devil.

On individual levels, we know there are people that go to parties to celebrate with others, yet they have nothing of their own to celebrate, and they constantly ask: when is my own? Even in the churches, there are people that only clap to the testimonies of others, but have nothing to testify of, and the questions remain pertinent.

Happily, God is eager to glorify Himself in us by His answers in all ramifications: spiritual, material, financial, social, and in our relationships. Moreover, it’s always great to see someone’s life truly transformed when your life touches it, which beautifully shows that you carry God’s fire in your life.

Who Is This God That Answers By Fire?

Jehovah-God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). His breath is ever full of fire. He is consistent in character; whatever He did before, He can do again (Deuteronomy 4:24). He still proclaims emancipation to the ends of the earth, and still settles all controversies by the act of His mighty power (1 Kings 18:21). He truly responds to fervent prayers of the righteous, and empowers His servants for great exploits.

Nothing can stand in God’s way; not problems, not sicknesses and not any lack whatsoever. His fire carries tremendous capacity to consume every obstinate anti-anointing entity, even the “hard stones” and the “waters”. Today, His power, presence, pressure and energy will step into your situations to give you testimonies, if you only step up in your obedience and faith levels.

Knowing Jesus: The Key To Answered Prayers

The root meaning of the name, Jesus (Hebrew, Yehoshua), is “Jehovah-the-Deliverer” (Matthew 1:21). He is the Answer to our worries and doubts (John 16:33). He is the Answer to our broken relationships with God (Romans 5:12). He is the Answer to meaningless existence (John 10:10). Jesus Christ is Who Jehovah-God has been to Israel over the ages, and He’s the Anointed Answer to all the problems of the world today (Isaiah 9:6-7).

The woman with the blood flux had spent all her livelihood on physicians, and was really spent, yet her symptoms never improved. But when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, the troublesome issue stopped immediately (Luke 8:43-44).

It took her twelve years to find the One who could heal her. One can only imagine that she also observed all religious rituals and ceremonies, yet none helped. But the day she reached out to Jesus, the divine virtue swallowed up the issue, and she was instantly healed.

What made the difference here? She contacted a revelation that Jesus is the Living God, and she called upon Him in faith (John 8:58). It was as if a light shone in her heart, and what was once in the theoretical realm suddenly became a reality. She knew within herself that Jesus would heal her, and she kept affirming, “If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole” (Matthew 9:21). That was pure faith in action!

We must note, however, that the answer was not in the garment Jesus wore, but in His power to which she connected by her faith. And, the healing power was so much tangible that Jesus felt its virtue flowing out of Him. Brethren, no matter what your needs are, Jesus Christ is still the Sure Answer in every life’ situations today. With Him, things can only get better!

Getting The Attention Of The God Of Fiery Answers?

Every time you are in a situation where it looks like evil is gaining the upper hand, the Person to hang unto is the God that answers by fire. However, you must learn how to gain His attention for Him to meet your needs.

Firstly, beyond believing, you must truly know God if you wish to attract His attention for answers (2 Timothy 1:12). Elijah knew God and firmly believed He would answer if he called on Him. Today, we can know God by being born-again and living yielded to the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, you need to be close to Him in the place of prayer. Elijah prayed to God, the fire fell and dramatically changed the destiny of the entire nation. He prayed and prayed again until God rained the abundant rain. Calling upon God in faith brings us to a closer intimacy with Him (1Kings 18:24).

Thirdly, you must be bold and courageous like Elijah was when he confronted Ahab, Jezebel and the false prophets of Baal. See, once in a while, we must show up as “trouble-makers” for God, just to trouble the troublers of Israel. In all these, however, please remain firm and submissive under God’s prophetic cover so that His mantle can tackle your battles.

Friends and brethren, in conclusion, the stage is now set for a showdown, to put a clear separation between the real God and fakes in your experiences, like in the days of Elijah. God can still transform our lives and our nation today, if only we are determined enough to make the most of the moment!

Thereafter, every oppressor of your life and destiny who would not let you go, or let you rest, shall be laid to rest. And, whatever garments of sorrow that have caused tears in your life shall be roasted by fire. Today, the greatness inside you is coming out. I declare upon you a new season of divine intervention and comfort from above, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!