FAITH FOR SPECIAL OR EXTRAORDINARY PROVISION

SERIES: PROSPERITY

AIM: TO SECURE YOUR SPECIAL PROVISION THROUGH FAITH

MESSAGE TITLE: FAITH FOR SPECIAL OR EXTRAORDINARY PROVISION

TEXT: LUKE 5:1-11.

INTRODUCTION

In Corinthians 16:9 Paul the Apostle says; “A wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”. The statement ‘a wide door’ or ‘open door’ is used figuratively to demote freedom of movement or choice which is depictive of the many evangelistic opportunities which also come with a corresponding number of oppositions of spiritual consequences. It is note worthy that the more openings we get for Kingdom service the greater the                                                             numbers and degree of opposition that we encounter or have to face, however with the end result   that we grow markedly in faith and so realize supper natural results ministry wise. Today we explore this line of supernatural, extraordinary phenomenon or uncommon occurrences to help us secure our supernatural   provisions which will help spur us forward into greater future exploits in the physical and spiritual realms to God’s glory.

SUPERNATURAL PROVISION

As recorded in John 5:29, “ an angel of the Lord would come down on certain seasons and stir up the pool of Bethesda, (Bethsaida  or Beth-zatha) and whoever was first to step into the pool was made well from whatever disease afflicting them. God has occasionally visited His people through time, making known His manifested presence in diverse ways, depending on the implication and magnitude of the visitation. “In this last days (however He ) has spoken to us by His son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He (also) made the universe (world), Hebrews 1:2 . In the pool visitation mentioned above it was not an angel who came but Christ the son of God Himself. It goes without saying therefore that we live in enviable or desirable times which are rife with opportunities for great break outs for every child of God operating with a discerning heart and a prophetic disposition depicted by spiritual alertness and sensitivity. This time round we have Isaiah 7:4 fulfilled and God is sure with us (Emmanuel). The Lord Jesus Christ has promised us His presence in Matthew 28:20, “Behold (i) I am with you always even to the end of the age. This unique visitation also brings with it more pronounced, or profound and extraordinary results. We as Gods children must therefore rise up to the occasion of this special visitation and do greater works or accomplish great exploits to Gods glory. (John 14:12, Daniel 11:32).

SPECIAL FAITH

While faith basically is the confidence (complete trust) that what we hope for will actually happen, thus giving s assurance about things we cannot see (with the physical eye) Hebrews 11:1, we need great faith to go a notch higher than the leading pack to make a corresponding greater impact, and achieve more within the limited time of God’s visitation. “Then Jesus answered, “Woman great is your faith. Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at once (that very hour) Matthew 15:28.

FAITH: THE RATIONALE (REASON BEHIND IT).

To flow with God and accomplish His mighty acts with His help, the necessity of faith in God and His word cannot be over emphasized, because÷

1.                 BEFORE GOD DOES ANYTHING HE FIRST SPEAKS IT INTO BEING

“Behold the former things have come to pass. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you!! “I am God and there is no one like me Declaring the end from the beginning …saying my purpose shall be established.. I will accomplish all my good pleasure.  Calling a bird of prey from the East, the man of my purpose from a far country. Truly I have spoken, truly I will bring it to pass. I planned it, surely I will do it (Isaiah 42:9, 46:9-13). Hear me you men and women, of faith, ‘nothing stands solid or firm with integrity through eternity like the word of God or any word that is rightly attributed to Him.’ “Jesus said, Heaven and earth will pass a way, but my words shall not pass a way (Matthew 24:35). God Has exalted His name and His word and is always watching upon His word to perform it (Psalms 138:2 Jeremiah 1:12), so you can always count on God’s word for scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35). It goes without saying therefore that faith in the living word of God is what will catapult you to the fulfillment of the word of God over your life (Luke 4:21).

2.      FAITH IN GOD (AND HIS WORD) IS PROOF OF OUR DISCIPLESHIP AND SONSHIP

“Therefore Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “you are truly my disciples if you remain (continue) faithfully in my teachings” (John 8:31). As said before the basis of our true relationship with God is our faith in Him that results in obedience to Him. This qualifies us as Christ’s adherents who are hooked on following Him always (Acts 11:26). The position of sonship is a position we get through Christ by divine empowerment. “But to all who believed in Him, and accepted Him, He gave the right (power, authority) to become sons (children) of God  (John 1:12).

3.      WITHOUT FAITH WE CANNOT PLEASE GOD

“It is impossible to please God without faith. Any one who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in God from our hearts is the key to a robust or strong, on going fruitful relationship with God. However crazy faith like the kind we find Peter applying above will move God into performing extra ordinary miracles for us (Luke 5:5,6).

Declare this: “I purpose and resolve to operate in ‘firm faith’ in God and His word through life no matter the circumstance I am faced with, to God’s glory.

4.      FAITH FOCUSES OUR ATTENTION AND EXPECTATION ON GOD, NOT MEN

“Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns a way from the Lord. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes….”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water…and …will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit” (Jeremiah 17:5-8). All mankind is created God dependent from the word go. That is to say,  for every day sustenance we cannot do without God. Moving from this position in life to anything else therefore  is judged as turning away from God and is liable to a curse, a severely limiting principle that ultimately renders us deprived and destitute in life. We do ourselves and others much good when we choose to remain locked on God as our sole source at all times, and in all seasons.

HOW TO GET TO AND TAKE POSSESSION OF YOUR SUPERNATURAL PROVISION.

This is the most crucial part of this message as it provides the keys to our supernatural provision. They are as follows;

KEY 1. RECEIVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOUR

Accepting Christ as your Lord and saviour gives you the privilege and power of Sonship and hence a joint heirship status with Christ over all the promises of God. We through this become children of God of promise (Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 3:14, 29). When the Canaanite woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon came to Christ for the healing of her demon possessed daughter, Jesus told her, it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to dogs (Matthew 15:26). The fact that she was a none Jew and not a believer at that point in time blocked her from the covenant blessings of Gods people Israel. How ever her persistent faith in Christ and to the God of Israel won her daughters healing, (Matthew 15:23). Receive Christ today and be counted in.

 Pray thus: Heavenly Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, recognize tat I am a sinner. Today I believe in and I accept your salvation through Christ. Forgive me all my sins and make me your child.  Now receive your forgiveness. I am saved. Help me to follow you always. Amen!

KEY 2. SEEK OUT AND MEET GOD’S ‘NEED’ OF THE MOMENT

Hannah’s timely prayer for a son  whom she would give back to the Lord had to be an answered  because she met God’s need of the time, a priest to serve in God’s house at Shiloh after backslidden Eli and his wicked sons had been judged and rejected by God (I Samuel 3:11-14, 2:12-17). In our text above, scripture states that “…the multitude were pressing around Him (Christ) and listening to the word of God.” (Luke 5:1). The Lord Jesus Christ needed a favorable position to deliver His message and He found it in Simon Peter’s boat. Operate with a spiritually illuminated heart, perceive, understand and know through the leading of the Holy Spirit the divine need of the moment. Discover what God wants done in the here and now and then occupy yourself with as you keep spiritual ears open for His next assignment. Be about God’s business and occupy (do business) till the Lord comes.

KEY 3. BE LOCATED OR POSITIONED JUST RIGHT FOR GOD’S USE AND VISITATION.

“…He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake…

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and He got into one of the boats which was Simon’s”. Not any spiritual situation or physical location is good enough when it comes to breaking out into your supernatural provision. Your right location, application for God’s disposition, contemporary is (current) agenda not just necessary it is critical. “…the fastest runner doesn’t always win the race and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry and the skillful are not necessarily wealth. It is decided by being at the right place at the right time” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). The right attitude, a discerning heart and the right geographical position will give you a clear winning edge over and above the best and smartest of competitors.

KEY 4. APPLY THE RIGHT STRATEGY TO BREAK A WAY AND WIN.

In athletic events around the world more often than not it is not the fastest nor the strongest runner who wins, but the athlete or athletes with the right winning strategy. It is even more pronounced on shorter and faster races like the one hundred meters dash. A winner athlete will be honoured and his or her image flashed around the world plus get showered with bounteous or (plenty of) presents just because he beat fellow competitors by a fraction of a second. It certainly sounds unfair, but unfortunately in life it is the small differences that make the big difference when it comes to  rewards. To beat the stiff competition, you just must push a little harder than the competition. “…and (Jesus) asked him (Simon Peter) to push it (boat) out into the waters.” (Luke 5:3). For Peter to properly a line himself for the supernatural provision that was on the offing  his boat had to be  pushed and positioned further and better than the other competing boat that was right next to his. To excel in life do not just be satisfied with being amongst the leading pack of competitors, push harder, break out from the pack with a winning strategy and so win the race. Just like Peter had to hear from Christ before He eventually received his provision, listen to the Holy Spirit to give you the winning strategy package then use it to blaze your trial into a clear win. The Lord grant you supernatural victory over all obstacles, Amen!

5.       AVAIL YOURSELF AND YOUR POSSESSION FOR GOD’S USE WITH PATIENCE.

God loves and has planned the very best for us BECAUSE He takes great pleasure in blessing His children as a good Father. Our corporation with Him in the same through faith is therefore very crucial for our prosperity. The preacher in Ecclesiastes 12:13 concludes on the whole duty of man as…”fear God and keep His commandments”’. We are created to serve God’s purpose which in essence is walking in God’s will, this way we live life at its best purpose wise. To realize God’s supernatural provision, Simon Peter had to avail his boat for the Lord’s use, never mind the many inconveniences and the possibly that he did not know where His family’s next meal was going to come from, now that they had caught no fish. So He (Jesus) sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there (Luke 5:3).

“Funny how God can transform and use our feeble structures for His own purposes when we surrender to Him. Peter’s fishing boat was turned by Christ into a teaching platform, which we must say brought in the sphere of an eternal dimension to the wooden vessel and its mortal owner Simon so to speak. The fact that the Lord Jesus sat down in the boat also implied that Peter was going to have to wait for a long time before his boat was released back to him. Doesn’t  this sound unfair for a penny less struggling fisherman who has a family to feed. The only conceivable reason why Peter would weather this state of depravity and uncertainty was because of the faith he had in Christ and hence his personal resolve to entrust his future to God, read on!

6.       ABIDE (OR STAY) IN GOD’S PRESENCE.

(Psalms 62:5 ). It is God’s presence, in, and amongst us that distinguishes us and singles us out of the world’s crowd for favour and blessings. Moses knew the significance of Gods presence, that is why he prayed to God, “It is not by your going with us, …that we, I and your people may be distinguished from all the other people who are upon the face of the earth”( Exodus 33:16b). Seek to and abide (remain, tarry, dwell, continue, endure) in God’s presence to receive answers to your prayers. “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7). Abiding is like waiting on or waiting for someone. It certainly is not one of the most exciting things to do especially if you cannot see light at the end of the tunnel; however it is a prerequisite for our breakouts. As we wait on God we must be both violent and vigilant because the enemy through his agents will want to swoop down upon us and try to steal our vision, destiny, faith, patience, and sacrifice among others through wrong counsel, doubt, discouragement and unbelief. “Some vultures swooped down to eat the carcasses, but Abram chased them a way” (Genesis 15:11). Read or listen to the word of God on a regular basis and maintain the right company of good people who believes in you and spur (urge) you on (I Corinthians 15:33), not a bunch of negative people whose aim is to discourage you, especially on God’s promises to you. Speak the right words and do the right things. Your sacrifice is the service you have given to God’s work all these years. It is the covenant ratifier or the covenant approver upon which God bequeaths or hands down to you your divine inheritance. It therefore must be kept secure, so operate with a hedge, door lock and key for your sacrifice must be kept secure. Usher in and maintain the right environment for your miracle or a breakout. Persist and persevere in God’s presence for He will surely come through for you when He Has finished with the initial stages.

7.       BUILD YOUR FAITH, CAPTURE, BELIEVE AND EXECUTE THE RHEMA WORD

“When He had finished  speaking , He said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets to catch some fish” (Luke 5:4). The rhema (word) is the fresh uttered or written relevant word which the Holy Spirit brings to your attention or remembrance for direct application to a particular situation or to address the present. Since timeliness is critical for the realization of the miracle of special provision we must seek out, find, listen to, and carefully obey the rhema (fresh word) for us to zero down on our miracles. Every step counts big time here. Trust God enough to make the right moves based on His word, over and above your past experiences.

8. RECEIVE YOUR SUPERNATURAL PROVISION

“This time their nets were so full of fish they began to break. A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking” (Luke 5:6, 7). Supernatural provisions surpasses and far outstrips your capacity. It is therefore just natural that you share it with your neighbours. Our God is the God of abundance and overflow (Psalms 23:5, John 10:10). Remember therefore to share out your overflow because selfishness and greediness are both incompatible in the management of divine resources or provisions.  Continue to trust the God who supplied for today for future provisions too as your abundantly sow your overflow through giving (Luke 6:38). “God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above that which we ask or think according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20).

9. WORSHIP GOD AND SOAR TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

“Simon Peter…fell to his knees before Jesus…“Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you will be fishing for people” (Luke 5:8, 10). God will not share His glory with another. (Isaiah 48:11c) so always remember to, give Him all the glory due Him. Testify of, worship, praise, thank and honor Him with your gifts for all His provisions. Do not take undue advantage of any move of God and thumb your chest for that move in any way. Give glory to whom it is due – God Almighty. Pass the critical test of not usurping what is not yours because the abundance also has another tag to it, your promotion. Remember, no divine visitation responded to appropriately will leave you where you have been. Visitation is God’s way of promoting His church, His servants and His children thus adding greater eternal values to our lives as Gods children. God is not through with you yet as long as you remain on this side of life. Walk faithfully before God always in your divine purpose with perseverance and great expectations. God says this about you; “For I know the plans that I have for you! Declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity (destruction) to give you a future and a hope (expected end)” Jeremiah 29:11. Amen!