Nov. 03, 2024

READY FOR MORE

Jonathan Meo

Primary Text:  Ephesians 3:14-21         

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

1. Faith Regardless of the Outcome – 

         Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego
      

Daniel 3:13-25 -  17 "...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

2. Faith that Endures Over Time – 

        Joseph, Gabriel's Message to Daniel

Genesis 50:15-21 -  20 "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.”

3. Faith that Presses Further – 

         Woman of Tyre and Sidon

Matthew 15:21-28 -  27 “...Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.”

Questions:

• Do I have a foundational trust of God that goes beyond my requests, my immediate needs and wants, and even my suffering?

• Do I give God the freedom to be Himself and do as He pleases in my situation, or am I holding something over Him in my heart either as a grudge or as a pledge to do my bidding as I perform certain religious rituals I have imagined will compel Him on my behalf?

• Likewise, do I see God as a divine Genie to grant my wishes at my whim, or do I seek first HIS kingdom and HIS will to be done on earth as it is in heaven?

• Am I willing to wait for God to answer my prayers and requests, and to be patient, persistent and faithful in the process?

• Am I willing to press further in my requests and to be bold in my faith to see Him work miracles regardless of what I see in the natural realm?

• Do I have a double mind or a single mind? What is keeping me from having a single mind?

• Am I ready for more of God in my life and willing to sacrifice my life and all that I am for Him to this end?