If You Would Believe!
Rev. J. Loren Russell
Acts 8:36–38 (NKJV)
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?’ Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.”
“Teamwork makes the dream work!” This familiar statement is often used to demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative verses individual efforts. In like manner, the scripture is an encouragement for us from the heart of the Lord to be supportive of one another so that greater success can be achieved.
Sometimes we get distracted comparing what the Lord has given to us with what He has given to others. The scripture tells us to work together so that our camaraderie brings mutual success to our labor.
One can lift the other if a fall occurs; two can warm each other through the cold; two can overcome their enemy when confronted. Our gifts complement each other when we share them. Sometimes we are the eunuch. We are searching, questioning, and trying to understand. Sometimes we are Philip. We are sent, positioned, and called to help someone else find their way.
Collaboration allows two people to pull together to accomplish great things. Our victories are much greater when we work together. Another thing to consider is when the Lord is in the midst, a dynamic duo becomes an incomparable trio, and all things are possible.
In every case, the turning point is the same: If you would believe.
For the Eunuch, right there, on that roadside, in that moving chariot, the eunuch made his confession: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” No long checklist. No impossible requirement. Just one condition…, belief.
What’s holding you back?
When belief rises, nothing can hinder what God has set in motion. When you get over your doubt, overcome your fear, stop making comparisons, release the weight of your past, you will realize the answer has not changed.
“If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
Be Blessed!
About the Author
Rev. J. Loren Russell is the Clergy Officiant at the Evangelical Church of God and associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church, both in the Bronx, NY. He is the President/CEO of The JLR Company and J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (jlorenr@jlr.llc).
He writes this column and produces and host’s Matters of Faith: The Radio Show on Monday nights from 8:00–10:00 PM on The Matters of Faith YouTube channel. Be sure to Friend, Like, and Share the column and the channel.
Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com.
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