Encouraging Word
“If” can be represented by a “?”. Meaning you have an option; you make the decision.
“Then” is the result, represented by a “!”. “If and then” refers to something conditional. If you meet the conditions, then you will experience and benefit from the result.
Here are some Scriptures where you see this principle:
II Chronicles 7:14 says, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
John 15:7 explains, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.”
I John 1:9 reads, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
II Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come!”
Matthew 10:32 adds, “Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.”
When God’s promises are conditional, then it is our responsibility to satisfy those conditions. The ball is in our court. In this case we are not waiting on God, but He is waiting on us. Let’s not keep Him waiting. We need to satisfy the conditions (prerequisites) so we can benefit from the result.
-Tony Cooper
Celebrating 28 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission
