Thursday, August 30, 2012

How To See Great and Mighty Things

Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

What are these “great and mighty things”? In Jeremiah’s day it was the miraculous prophecy that God would one day return Israel in great glory to Jerusalem. At the time they were being overtaken by the most power nation (Babylon) under the threat of the most powerful King (Nebuchadnezzar) on earth.

For us the great and mighty things are the blessings that God wants to give us if we will simply yield ourselves to Him. Our Heavenly Father knows what is absolutely best for us. He wants to give His best to us. Some of it, we cannot even comprehend. The great and mighty things are the priceless, awesome, indescribable blessings of living a life that is dedicated to God.

This famous scripture verse tells us how to see them in our lives.

I. ASK (CALL )

It starts with a request. God does not force Himself on us. Just as He offers salvation; it is then up to us to receive it. He has wonderful blessings for us; but He waits for us to ask. Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

II. ASK THE ONE WHO CAN DELIVER (UNTO ME )
We do not ask hoping “somebody” will hear. We call on the Lord for He is able. Our prayers are singularly directed to God. Jesus gave us a model prayer which begins by addressing the Father.   Luke 11:2 … Our Father which art in heaven, hollowed by thy name. …

III. EXPECT TO HEAR FROM THE LORD (AND…there’s more )
We are to ask the One who can deliver in full faith that He WILL answer! Our prayer should reflect our confidence and our trust in Him. The book of James instructs us to “ask in faith, nothing wavering.”

God is always looking for people who will exercise and demonstrate faith in Him - not just talk about it.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Remember the priests at the Jordan River were told to carry the Ark of the Covenant across Jordan. They had to step into the water with the heavy ark on their shoulders. Then God parted waters. Jesus, walking on the water, called on Peter to act in faith when He said “come.” Peter had to step out of the boat before he walked on the water.

Are you exercising or demonstrating your faith in God? What step of faith have you taken for the Lord recently? 


IV. EXPECT TO SEE THE LORD WORK (I WILL )
We KNOW that God is at work on our behalf. So, we can LIVE in light of that precious truth. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Confidence in God’s ability is also confidence in God’s timing. Believe God and let God set the time table. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:


V. SET LIMITS ASIDE (SHOW THEE )
This wonderful scripture is not only for the preacher, the missionary, the out-going person, or the talented. Don’t limit God about the “great and mighty” things in your life. He wants YOU to experience the amazing works of grace and glory that He knows is best for you. Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God:
With God – it’s all about Him - in YOU. Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.


VI. GOD WANTS WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU (GREAT AND MIGHTY THINGS )
His best in our lives are the “great and mighty things.” He is ready, willing and able to display them in our lives for His glory. We can live confidently and victoriously as God put on an amazing display through us. 2Timothy 1:12 … I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.