Marty continues her testimony on the faithfulness of God’s promises.

Bulldog Faith

I love the story of Hannah. Even now, after having Courtney, enduring several miscarriages and having two more beautiful children, I identify with Hannah more than just about anyone else in the Bible. I know what it’s like to be discouraged, and I know what it’s like to want a child so much it totally consumes your life. And like Hannah, I also know what it’s like to stand in faith until the promise comes.

Hannah had unshakable faith. She had what Kenneth calls, “bulldog faith.” She believed God would give her a child and she wasn’t about to let go of that belief. Even when her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, taunted her because she had no children, Hannah didn’t let go of the promise she’d someday give birth to a son. Even when their family made the trek to the temple at Shiloh year after year and Hannah still hadn’t conceived, she didn’t let go of her dream. Why? Because she had bulldog faith.

Bulldog faith, according to Brother Copeland, is never letting go of what belongs to you. A bulldog will take a bone in his mouth and won’t let go of it—no matter what. That is what you must do with God’s Word. You have to grab hold of whatever God has promised you and never let it go. You have to hold on to the revelation you’ve received and never turn it loose!

A bulldog knows that bone is his, and he’s taking it. You have to approach whatever you’re believing God for in the same manner. You can take it by force, knowing you’re a child of the Most High God and He’s promised it to you. Healing? It’s yours. Prosperity? It’s yours. Peace? It’s yours. Children? They’re yours. If you can find it in the Word of God, it’s yours! Grab hold of it!

But you say, “Marty, I’ve had bulldog faith for nine years and nothing has changed.” Well, let me ask you this—is your bulldog faith holding on to “a bone” that’s promised in the Word of God? Have you tried refocusing your faith? Maybe there is a course of action that God has prompted you to take but you haven’t? Or maybe it’s the condition of your heart.

If you believe for something that is promised in the Word, but your motivation for that manifestation is wrong, your prayers can be hindered. Only after Hannah changed her heart’s motivation did she experience manifestation with the birth of Samuel and eventually overflow with additional children. Her heart’s cry went from “I want a son, Lord,” to “I want a son, God, so that I can give him to You.” (See 1 Samuel 1:10-12.)

Next week, Marty expands on the purpose of your desire.