One day, one of my children complained about the unavailability of their beverages. I responded by saying "IF the Lord provides, I will buy beverages for you". My second son said, "daddy, it is WHEN the Lord provides not IF". Now, that struck me.
I once taught them about faith. I told them that "If" is a conditional word and in matters of faith, it is a badge of doubt because "If" signifies that one is not sure whether God will do it or not but "when" is a definite assurance and expression of faith in God because it shows you know God will do it at a set time. That boy reminded me what faith should be.
Dearest, your faith will not work as long as you stand on "If the Lord will heal me", "If the Lord provides", "If the Lord wills", and all other If's. Whatever God has promised in his word, we are sure God will do it. It is an issue of "when" not "If". He is bound by his word because he has integrity.
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
For instance, God's word promises healing, you don't take a position like: "If it is God's will to heal me..." That statement shows you are not sure it is God's will to heal whereas, it is stated clearly in several places in the word that healing is his will and health is part of our redemptive rights.
Placing your expectations on "If God wills" is not a sign of humility or piety especially in matters clearly revealed in scriptures. As a believer, you are only permitted to use "If the Lord wills" in matters that are not guaranteed or clearly promised in God's word. Also, in matters requiring specific direction from the Lord.
Faith begins where God's word is found. At the point where you find the word of God that promises what you need, "If" becomes a badge of doubt. Rather, you move to "when" because you are assured of God's faithfulness to keep his word.
Stop talking down your faith. You are not being humble using "If the Lord wills" at all times. Say what the word of God says about your life as it is in scriptures. Stand on it and declare it with all assurance. That is how to make your faith produce result.
