FAITH CAPSULE: Express your expectation to provoke manifestation.  

2 Kings 4:8-37

Jesus’ parable of the Persistent Widow was meant to identify that faith demands persistence also to hope in the place of lack or in the place hopelessness. The persistent widow remained hopeful and patiently pursued her expectation. In the parable, the persistent widow eventually had a breakthrough with her expectation. At the end of the parable, Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes; will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) Indeed and in truth, for any that is claiming the kind of Abraham’s blessing, is there anyone who is really living out their faith? Anyone who is so committed to a life of faith that they just won’t give up no matter how hard life becomes? An example of such was the Shunammite woman where stubborn faith was demonstrated (2 Kings 4:8-37). When in the place of lack you call abundance by virtue of your faith, it will answer as abundance. Such act is a clear demonstration of stubborn faith (being stubbornly-faithful).
To be stubbornly faithful is an expression of expectation that bring forth manifestation. The Shunammite woman was barren at an old age when Elisha prayed for her. Her bareness ceased and she had a son. To the Shunammite woman, it was a miracle and an unforgettable move of God’s hand. When Abraham was at a juncture of lack, he was able to see provision. God provided for Abraham when a ram was made available for a sacrificial offering instead of Isaac. Abraham saw provision in the place of no provision, and the Shunammite woman saw life where there was death when her miracle son was pronounced dead. She refused to see the son dead and rather went and searched for Elisha. The woman repeatedly claimed that all was well until Elisha realized that the son was actually dead. The Bible recorded that the son was brought back to life by Elisha. The Shunammite woman’s miracle was all about seeing provision where there was none, and seeing life where there was death. Abraham saw a provision where there was none and God responded to his confession of provision by making available a ram for the sacrificial offering.
As a believer, making a claim that Abraham’s blessings are your is not true until you begin to exercise stubborn faith like that of Abraham. As one that believes and hopeful that God will provide in the place of a pressing need, what do you see? What you see will determine what you receive and what you receive will become of you. The hand of God is everywhere and evident in every living and non-living creature, the awesomeness of His miracle cannot be disregarded. To be stubbornly faithful will provoke the hand of God on your behalf.

Prayer for today: Ask God the grace to know and be able to remain persistent in your waiting on Him.