A Place of Expectancy

Why do Christians in other countries see more miracles than we do here in America?

John 1:12 [NLT], But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.

Ephesians 4:4-6 [NLT], For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living [leading and working] through all.

This truth reinforces…

• We are “all” His children

• He loves us all the same

• He is for us the same

• He has given us the same promises

• We are all under the same covenant

• We all have the same covenantal rights    
  

Why do Christians in other countries see more miracles than we do here in America?

Matthew 10:7-8 [NKJV], And as you go, preach, saying ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.  Freely you have received, freely give. 

1.  They weren’t looking to be impressed

• We can be consumer minded in our approach to church.

John 6:30 [NKJV], Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You?  What work will You do?” 

• Think about how often we rate the happenings of a Sunday morning service.

• Jesus didn’t impress us enough for us to think it was important enough to “buy in” or “engage.”

Maybe to God…

• The condition and engagement of our hearts matters.

• Is more interested in our hearts than our talent.

• Views our hunger for Him as more important than our reputation.

• Doesn’t play the comparison game.

• Is more interested in changing us than He is impressing us.

1 Samuel 16:6-7 [NKJV], So it was when they came, that he looked at Eliab and said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him!” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him.  For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  

Because of this…

• The anointing doesn’t hinge on what song is trending.

• Revelation doesn’t hinge upon what peaks our interest or intellect.

• Transformation doesn’t hinge on our emotions. 

• But all of those do hinge upon our expectation and faith.

Matthew 15:21-28 [NLT], Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Gentile woman who lived there came to Him, pleading, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David!  For my daughter is possessed by a demon that torments her severely.” 23 But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word.  Then His disciples urged Him to send her away.  “Tell her to go away,” they said.  “She is bothering us with all her begging.” 24 Then Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to help God’s lost sheep—the people of Israel.” 25 But she came and worshiped Him, pleading again, “Lord, help me!” 26 Jesus responded, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their master’s table.” 28 “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great.  Your request is granted.”  And her daughter was instantly healed.

• Our faithful expectation can swallow up our desire to be impressed.

Hebrews 11:6 [NKJV], But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently [passionately] seek Him.

2.  They aren’t disillusioned by the American Dream

• When we were born again, we instantly became citizens of God’s kingdom.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 [NLT], This is what the Lord says:  “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. 24 But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone:  that they truly know Me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things.  I, the Lord, have spoken!”

• Our dependency shouldn’t need a crisis to act, it just needs to know who our Source is.

When is the last time you sought God passionately without a crisis attached to it?

Jeremiah 29:12-14 [AMP], Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. 13 Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ says the Lord…