In our recent teachings at New Life, we have been focusing on the awesome power of believing and acting on the Scriptures, the Word of God. People often think they must have a "special revelation" from God before they can believe and receive. In other words, rather than taking the Word of God at face value, believing, and acting on it, these feel that they must have a "special encounter" or it won't work. They need a visit from an angel, an audible voice, or even a special encounter as they read the Bible itself. They don't realize the Scriptures are Jesus speaking directly to them.

Jesus told us a special encounter is not necessary. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus said that if we don't believe the Scriptures ("Moses and the prophets" in the story) that we wouldn't believe if someone came back from the dead and spoke it to us! (Luke 16:27-31)

So what about those we know that apparently did believe and act, but didn't receive? Some died, others lost their homes, situations failed, etc., etc.?? 

THE SIMPLE ANSWER

One day, Jesus took Peter, James, and John and went up on a mountain to pray. When they returned there was a huge argument occurring between the other nine disciples and some Jews. (Luke 9:28-42) A man had brought his son to be healed, and the disciples could not do it. The argument therefore, was about something along the lines of, "God doesn't heal", or "You disciples of Jesus don't have power", even though they had recently cast out demons and healed diseases, having been sent out by Jesus to do so. (Luke 9:1,2,10) 

Do you see what is really happening here? A man brought his son for healing to the world's most renowned ministers, and he did not receive! (Thus the argument.) Upon seeing the disciples failure, some of the onlookers might have left, having concluded: "It's not God's will for everyone to be healed", etc. But that's not true. When Jesus came down he healed the man's son. He proved it is God's will to heal even those who didn't receive! Jesus laid the blame on the disciples, not God. (Luke 9:41) Failure to receive can never be placed on God, although it is much more convenient.

Don't waste your time looking at apparent failures. Look to those who received. Even better, keep your eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 13 tells us this exact thing:

7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Imitate the faith of the victorious. Jesus has not changed. What He did yesterday for them, He will do for you today!