11 Oct Be full of Expectations by Dr Mike Okonkwo
Dearly beloved, when we started the fasting and prayers a few days ago, some people may have thought it was impossible to go through it, but just like yesterday, we are already in the second week. I want to encourage you not to relent, but keep pushing because indeed strangers shall submit. God is committed not only to hearing your prayers but also to ensuring that you have a testimony. This season, expect God’s supernatural intervention in your life. You will not be denied in Jesus name.
In 1 Chronicles 4, the Bible tells us an interesting story about a man called Jabez who was described as honourable. In-spite of his honour, his problem started when his mother bore him and gave him a name which literarily means ‘sorrow’. Beloved, Jabez understood what it meant to encounter closed doors in life. He was rejected by men, even though he had no hand in the circumstances of his birth. He was victimized by those who should have shown him love and given him succor. Everywhere Jabez went, sorrow went with him. Can you imagine how he felt? I perceive that his situation was so bad that everywhere he went he became a laughing stock. It was at this point he sought the face of God. Let us look at the scripture:
1 CHRONICLES 4:10
{KJV} ‘’And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine Hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested”. Beloved, let us see this same text in the Message Translation:
{MSG} ‘’Jabez prayed to the God of Israel: bless me, O bless me! Give me land, large tracts of land. And provide your personal protection – don’t let evil hurt me”. God gave him what he asked.
Worthy of note is the fact that Jabez desired God’s intervention in his life and that desire drove him to his knees. He desired a supernatural intervention. He had expectations of a better life. He needed a fresh start – a new beginning. He was tired of the status-quo and so he cried to the Lord. Beloved, just like Jabez, you have sought His face in fasting and prayers; get ready for the manifestation. Let me assure you that God heard you ever before you began to pray and He is already throwing His weight around on your behalf. Every request you have brought before Him this season has received His attention. See Him intervening in that long standing health condition. Beloved, don’t look at the symptoms, look at the healing. See Him intervening in your job, business, finances, academics and marriage. Like Jabez, you will not go empty handed.
I declare that this season, the Lord will touch you in those areas where you have toiled and labored over the years. Every issue that has hitherto brought tears to your eyes would be resolved in Jesus’ name. God will exceed your expectations. This season will not end without your testimony. If God could intervene in the life of Jabez who was labeled ‘sorrow’ much more will He do for you this month and in the days ahead. Remember that Jabez operated in the old covenant, and yet had such awesome results.
Can you begin to imagine what God would do for you – a new covenant believer? Listen to what Apostle Paul said in Romans 8:32: ‘’…He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?’’ Child of God, did you see that? If God could give His only begotten Son, then what else will He not give to you? Like I have always said and it bears repetition, when He gave you Jesus He gave you His best, and when He gave you the Holy Spirit, He gave you His all.
In the days ahead, I encourage you to approach the fast with a mindset that it has been done. What you are thanking Him for, is the manifestation. Don’t look at the symptoms, but rather stand on His promises because His word will never fail. Keep confessing the word over your life as you pray and refuse to doubt in your heart. Whenever your heart is besieged with the thoughts that you had prayed this same prayer point last year, understand that the devil is trying to sneak in doubt and unbelief into your mind, so give him no room.
Cast down that thought and superimpose it with what God has promised. Remember that as a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Refuse to dwell on what you felt did not happen last year, but rather thank Him for what you are expecting now. See it in your minds’ eye because expectation brings manifestation. You will not be denied in Jesus name.
As you go into this week, be assured that in every area of life, God is committed to blessing you. He will fill your mouth with testimonies. You will surely, without fail, testify. Your miracle will not be aborted. Maranatha!
In His Royal Service,
Dr. Mike Okonkwo, The Presiding Bishop
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