Luke 17: 3-5: “‘So watch yourselves! If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.’ The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Show us how to increase our faith.’”

Remember the song that we sang in Sunday school when we were children called “Yes, Jesus loves me!”? It made a bold statement of faith. There was a line in it that says, “I am weak, but He is strong.” I have discovered that life offers many challenging opportunities that you and I must confront and conquer. Where we are weak in these challenges, if we allow Him, God will show Himself strong through us, and we will overcome. It’s interesting to note that sinners are faced with these same temptations and trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). But, unlike those who don’t believe in Jesus, we have committed to placing our trust in the Lord and not in ourselves. When we were in the world, separated from the life and power of God, we would just run to the ways of the world when trouble invaded our lives. But not now. No longer do we have to run into a deeper pit of bondage as a means of hiding from trouble. The salvation that we received through faith in Jesus offers us power to “overcome” this world. Once we’re saved, we don’t just sit here doing nothing . . . waiting to leave this world.

When the Lord came into our hearts, He removed the stronghold of the bondage to the spirit of fear and gave us His Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. But it’s at this juncture that many believers find themselves living in fear and not faith. It’s hard to move past “believing” in Christ over into “trusting” in Christ. If you want to be free from the stronghold of fear on your mind that wants to rule the actions of your heart, you must confront your fears in faith. How many Christians today are living in a pit of some sort? How many are afraid to move forward, because they simply don’t trust that God will be there when they tell the “pit” bye-bye? If you’re in a pit of bondage, and you’re a child of God, today is the day for a “breakout!”

In Luke 17, Jesus commanded His disciples to forgive a brother who offended them but then repented of the offense. But, Jesus didn’t stop there, He went on to say that they should forgive him, if need be, seven times in a day. When the disciples heard this saying, they responded just as you and I would respond. They asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus simply told them to activate the faith that they already had. Once you activate the seed of faith in your heart, then your confidence will grow, because you will begin to see the faithfulness of God in your obedience. Now you’re walking by faith instead of abiding in a pit. The more you step out in faith, despite the fear that you encounter along the way, the greater your confidence will grow in Christ. With each act of obedience, you will grow from faith to faith, and glory to glory into the image of Christ.

Today, if you’re being held in captivity by a habit or by the bondage to fear, and you desire to be free to walk by faith, then I want to agree with you for victory. Today!

Matthew 18 :19: “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you.”

Father, I agree with my brother/sister concerning the fear in their heart that has placed him/her in bondage to a person, a habit, or a thing. In Jesus name, we declare that Christ has set them free, and they are free indeed! Let your power and glory manifest on them right now and release them to serve you without fear. In Jesus’ name we ask.

Now that you have obeyed the Word in prayer, it’s time to face the fear. Now you’re going to activate your seed-faith, and you will experience the power of God to move. At this point, whatever you do, don’t look back—even if it’s just to see how far you’ve advanced away from your past. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the Strength and the Joy of your heart. Let us know what the Holy Spirit has done in your life today; your testimony might empower others to take a stand of faith and be free.  —submitted by Asa Dockery, US