Fear, regret, and doubt are major obstacles in our lives when we think about fulfilling our purpose. Jesus was able, as He allowed the Holy Spirit to lead Him, to never regret a decision or allow doubt and fear to control Him. He asked hard questions about His purpose (Matthew 26:38-39), and the Bible is very clear that He faced doubt and fear, but by the power of the Spirit He overcame it!
Jesus wrestled with hard decisions, felt strong emotions, and the Bible says that He faced everything we will face. "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."(Hebrews 4:15) Why did He do it? First and foremost to be obedient to His Father, and then to allow His life to motivate us to realize we can overcome too! Check this out...
In John 14:12 Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father." I've quoted this verse many times, but to be honest, I really didn't take the time to get the deeper meaning until recently. The word "greater" in the original language doesn't mean better or more powerful, but it actually means "on a larger scale" or "more opportunities for 'great' things." It doesn't mean that we will do "greater things" than Jesus accomplished. What Jesus was actually telling us is that all He accomplished and was able to do because of His Father working through Him is now available and possible for us because of His presence in us. He wanted us to realize that what He did in 2-3 years, in one specific area, would become a continual, greater, work going on and on through us for generations to come all around the world.
This verse should be one of the greatest motivational statements we've ever read! When we face any situation or circumstance, that is unique and specific to us, we can call on His name, by faith, and miracles will begin to happen! Then His desire is that we would proclaim to everyone around us, as the Psalmist did in Psalm 124, "If the Lord had not been on our side..." we wouldn't have made it. We give Him all the glory as His power flows through us to accomplish His perfect will in our lives! (Romans 12:2)
I shudder to think about how many "greater works" have been lost in time because I allowed doubt and fear to consume me. So many opportunities wasted because I lived life feeling sorry for myself with my head hung in regret and shame. It's an ongoing battle, but the Words of Jesus Christ still ring true today and they should motivate us toward the next "great thing" He has for us.
It may need to start with simply, turning from our old life, choosing to believe, and by an act of faith receive His payment for all of our sins as well as the Way to an abundant and eternal life made available for us through Jesus. That was the greatest work of all on our behalf. After we are certain of that decision, then we can begin to experience the "greater works" that relationship opens up for us.
- A husband and wife choosing to take steps toward restoration.
- An addict honestly seeking help.
- A single mom realizing she can pursue her dreams in spite of her difficulties.
- A physical healing manifested as a result of courage and audacity to truly believe for the impossible.
- A supernatural provision received after a decision, by faith, to press on toward what God is saying, even as other voices are saying it's impossible.
- Choosing to give what God says to give, regardless of the circumstances.
- Simply getting up, walking across the street, and praying a prayer for someone that we have been putting off for months.
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"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20
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