15 Dec, 2008
Have you ever asked God for something really big? Did you actually ask, believing that He could (or would) do it?! Two years ago a pastor in Longview, Texas, asked God for $1 million and, believing that God could and would provide, he wrote out a bank deposit slip for exactly $1 million, to be deposited whenever the gift came in. Rev. Thomas McDaniels' desire, when he prayed that prayer, was for a new building for his church to meet in. On December 2, 2008, McDaniels spoke with a local business owner who asked what his church needed to be able to move out of the hotel where they'd been meeting. "$1.4 million," was the response. Imagine Rev. McDaniels' excitement when the businessman wrote him a check for $1.5 million - $100,000 more than he'd asked for!
"The Lord wanted to show His power, in that, He is not limited!" exclaimed the reverend's wife, Charlotte.
For the full story, visit www.breakingchristiannews.com
Photo by: Justin Baker/News-Journal photo
Big Dreams
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about God and His ability to provide?
I can't tell you how many times I've found myself completely in awe of the ways God has provided for me and my family, and for so many of my friends! Even still, I have to admit there are times when I've neglected to ask God for certain things . . . not because I didn't think he could do it, but because I had determined in my mind that he probably wouldn't. My doubts kept me from sharing my thoughts or dreams, even with God. Today's scripture teaches us that whether God does or doesn't do the things we ask, He is 100% able to do it and abundantly more!
Rev. McDaniels understood God's ability to provide and I would guess that he wasn't the least bit surprised by the fact that God provided $1.5 million, instead of "just" the $1 million he'd originally asked for! God wants us to know, understand, and believe that He is able to do anything, no matter how big or how small . . . and he wants us to be able to come to Him and ask! Don't let your doubts get in the way of letting God work! To HIM be the glory!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- In what ways have you doubted God's ability to answer your prayers or to provide? He could be wanting to do something HUGE through you, but is just waiting for you to believe that He can and expect that He will!
- Is there something that God's put on your heart that you need to bring to Him and lay at His feet? Have you failed to pray for/about a situation because you thought it was too big (or small) for God to consider? Pray and give it to Him! Remember that He is able to do "far more abundantly" than anything you could even dream about! Thank God that He is able to hear you, to answer you, and to provide. Pray that, ultimately, no matter what the outcome, He would be glorified.
How can we connect today's story, God's story, and our story to others?
- Ask your friends if they could ask God to do anything, what would it be? Then ask them if they really thought God could or would do it. Why/why not? Truly listen to their responses. Share today's story and God's story scripture and ask what they think about it.
- Do you have a friend that you've pretty much given up on? You don't think he/she will ever change, let alone turn to God? Reread today's scripture!! God is able to do far more than you could imagine in your friend's heart! Keep praying for your friend and keep asking God to change his/her heart. Then look for opportunities to keep connecting stories.
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