As Christians we are so often asking for what we’ve already received in Christ rather than thanking God and affirming what we’ve been given. This is one of my favorite Major Ian Thomas quotes on the subject.
How did they (the children of Israel) get through Jordan?
They put their feet in the waters of Jordan and stood still. Why? God told them to! What happened? God divided the waters and they went through on dry land. Why? God said they would!
“As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Col 2:6).
How are you to walk in Jesus Christ? As you received Him. How did you receive Him? By faith. Was that very difficult?
How then are you to walk in Him? By faith! Will that be any more difficult?
As you have learned to thank Him for His death, so you thank Him for His life, humbly assuming that He lives in you, as you have already humbly assumed that He died for you. Is that not simple? And how long has it taken you to find this out?
Remember, He does not give you strength – He is your strength! He does not give you victory – He is your victory! He cannot be your life without being all you need, for “in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in him” (Col 2:9).
Then count upon the fact – and stop asking for what you have!