The Day I Learned Real Faith Isn't Grabbing Promises—It's Waiting for God's Whisper

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I spent years treating God's promises like a vending machine.

Insert the right verse, push the button of prayer, and out comes the answer.

Turns out that's not how faith really works—and it left me frustrated more times than I care to admit.

A few years ago, I came across an old sermon by John Wright Follette called "Principles of Faith." It stopped me cold.

Follette was talking about the story of Lazarus—how Jesus looked at Martha right before calling her brother out of the tomb and said, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?"

We Love to Pick Our Own Promises

Go back to Lazarus.

Jesus had already told Martha and Mary specific things: "This sickness won't end in death—it's for God's glory." "I'm going to wake him up." "Your brother will rise again."

But when the moment came, Martha was still stuck on general faith: "I know he'll rise in the resurrection on the last day."

Jesus gently pushed her: "Do you believe this?"

Meaning the exact words He'd already spoken to her heart.

That's the key Follette hammered home—biblical faith isn't vague or general. It latches onto the specific word God has spoken right into your situation.

Not a verse you hunted down because it sounded good.

The one He quickens to your spirit. The "Did I not say to you...?" that only comes when you're quiet enough to hear.

A Better Way to Pray in the Storm

Follette shared a prayer that hit me between the eyes. I've started using it myself:

"Father, I could dig through the Bible and find a dozen promises that seem to fit. But I've been burned too many times doing that on my own. Lord, show me Your will here. Speak the word You want me to believe. Give me the promise that lines up with what You're doing. I'll wait until I hear it from You."

Then... wait.

Commune. Listen. Walk with Him until that word settles in your heart with life and authority.

Why This Feels So Free

I've stopped forcing answers.

I've started trusting His timing and His exact word.

And you know what? When that specific promise comes alive in your spirit, the glory follows. Just like it did at Lazarus's tomb.

God isn't hiding His will. He's inviting us closer—to hear His whisper instead of shouting our own selections at Him.

Maybe Today

In whatever you're facing, pause the promise-hunting.

Ask Him to speak His "this" to your heart.

Then believe it.

The rest is in His hands.

And we'll see His glory.

Amen to that.

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