Hilde

I feel like God in all his mercy is pouring out his spirit and power over me these days. Especially after saturday. I wake up in the mornings and feel God’s presence. Someone might just start playing a few chords on the guitar and it releases the longing I feel for God’s presence. When worshipping I just feel like jumping and running around, because God moves me with such energy. He inspired me to write a new song to him two days ago. Yesterday we sang it at our cell group.

Im walking in more faith these days. I dare new things. I say out loud what I believe, because it strengthens my faith. I also say out loud what I want to believe because it creates new faith. I experience more and more that faith is important because it allows God to do his things. I’m not one of those that believe that if you just believe enough, God will heal you and such things. Some people seem to think that, but we in our own little power can’t make God do anything. Everything he does is just out of mercy. That’s why I believe that our faith must be given us by God. We can’t force forth faith! Anyway, God has made himself dependent on our faith. Where people don't believe in him, he won’t do anything. But where people believe in him, their expectations and prayers allow him to come with his presence and healing. Mark 4:24 says: "With the measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you, and unto you that hear shall more be given." My Nowegian translation says something like: "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be given you."

I think it makes a good picture: God will always give us a little more than we expect. If our cups of expectations are small he will fill it up and let it overflow. If our cups of expectations are large he will still fill it up and let it overflow! I want my cup to be LARGE! I want to see more of God!

This is all mercy! I have realized that mercy is so much more than just forgiveness and salvation. It’s only of mercy that I can wake up in the morning and immediately feel God’s presence. It’s only because of mercy I receive words over my life. Only mercy allows me to serve God with my talents and gifts. Only God in his mercy gives faith.