Expect Great Things from God - Attempt Great Things for God
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In the journey of faith, we are often reminded of the limitless nature of God's promises and His unchanging commitment to our well-being. "Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God," a phrase deeply rooted in the ethos of Christian belief, encapsulates the essence of a life lived in full trust and submission to the Divine will. As believers, we are called not only to hold onto the hope of God's greatness but also to step out in faith, pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible through Him who strengthens us.
This article explores the profound meaning behind expecting and attempting great things from and for God, weaving through the fabric of scripture to uncover the truth of God's promises and the call to action that faith necessitates. It is a call to each of us to not only dream big in our prayers and expectations but also to match those dreams with bold, faith-filled actions.
Understanding the Call to Expect Great Things from God
The Bible is replete with assurances of God's readiness to provide for and bless His people beyond their imagination. Jeremiah 29:11 declares, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This verse, among many others, lays the foundation for our expectation: a belief in a future ordained by God, filled with prosperity, hope, and blessing.
In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus teaches about the willingness of God to give good gifts to those who ask Him. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." This passage encourages believers to come to God with their desires and expectations, affirming that God is not only capable but also willing to fulfill His children's needs and dreams.
Ephesians 3:20 further amplifies this by stating, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." It is a powerful reminder that our expectations, no matter how great, are still within the realm of possibility for God, who works within us to accomplish infinitely more than we could comprehend.
The Role of Faith in Expecting Great Things
Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. It is through faith that we come to understand and trust in God's infinite power and love for us. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This scripture not only defines faith but also sets the stage for how we, as believers, are to expect great things from God—by believing in His promises, even when we cannot see them manifesting in the physical realm yet.
Living in faith means living in expectation. When we truly believe in God's sovereignty and goodness, our outlook on life changes. We begin to see opportunities where others see obstacles, and we hold onto hope in situations where others might despair. The "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 provides numerous examples of individuals who lived by faith, including Noah, who built an ark for a flood that was yet to come, and Abraham, who set out for a land he was promised without knowing where he was going. These stories exemplify the essence of expecting great things from God—a trust in His promises that compels us to act even when the path is unclear.
Attempting Great Things for God: A Call to Action
Faith without action is incomplete. James 2:17 reminds us that "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." To attempt great things for God means to put our faith into action, to let our trust in Him guide our steps in making bold moves for His kingdom.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 serves as a powerful call to action for all believers. Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded us. This is not a passive instruction but a directive that requires boldness, initiative, and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones for the sake of the Gospel.
David's encounter with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is another vivid illustration of attempting great things for God. David, a young shepherd boy, faced a giant that had paralyzed the entire army of Israel with fear. Armed with faith in God's protection and power, David took a bold step that not only led to a miraculous victory but also demonstrated the impact of combining faith with action.
Practical Steps to Attempt Great Things for God
To translate this calling into our daily lives, consider these practical steps:
Prayer: Begin with prayer, seeking God's guidance and wisdom for the great things He wants you to attempt in His name.
Set Godly Goals: Define what attempting great things for God looks like in your context. It could be starting a ministry, engaging in missionary work, or serving in your local community in new ways.
Step Out in Faith: Take actionable steps towards your goals, trusting that God will provide the resources, opportunities, and connections needed.
Support System: Surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer encouragement, advice, and accountability as you pursue your God-given ambitions.
Testimonies of Greatness: Biblical and Modern Examples
Throughout history, countless individuals have exemplified what it means to expect and attempt great things for God. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, facing the might of Pharaoh with nothing but faith in God's promise. Esther risked her life to save her people, trusting that God had placed her in the royal position "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14).
In modern times, we see believers around the world stepping out in faith to make a difference in their communities and beyond. From missionaries risking their lives in hostile nations to spread the Gospel, to individuals starting faith-based organizations aimed at addressing social injustices, these are contemporary testimonies of God's people attempting great things in His name.
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
Expecting great things from God and attempting great things for God are two sides of the same coin of faith. They motivate us to live lives that are fully reliant on God's promises and active in pursuing His purposes. As we reflect on the biblical foundations and practical steps outlined in this article, let us be encouraged to dream big and act boldly, knowing that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
May we, as a community of believers, inspire one another to live out this calling, transforming our faith into action that reflects the greatness of our God. Let us hold fast to the promise in Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint," as we expect great things from God and attempt great things for God.
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