Expand the Vision

Expand the Vision

In Mark 11:22-24, Jesus speaks about faith to his disciples.  “Have faith in God….I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” 

Does this mean I can ask for a million dollars and a trip around the world?  Of course not.  John 14:13-14 clarifies this issue.  “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.  You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”  The key here is “so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.”  If I ask for somethingin order to glorifyGod, my prayer will be answered.  So, if I ask for a revival in my church, will that request be honored?  Sounds like it to me.  Does it mean that I will need to have a personal revival first?  Probably.  Does it mean that I will need to do some work to help create the revival?  Most likely.  A revival in the church would definitely bring glory to God; therefore, God will give revival in our church if, in faith, we ask for it.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever youwish, and it will be given you.  This is to my father’s glory, that you bear muchfruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:7-8).  If I remain In Christ and let the words of scripture abide in me, am I more likely to ask for gifts that will glorify God?  I think so.  God desires each of us to bear “much fruit” for His kingdom, illustrating that we are His disciples. 

If he promises those who abide in Him and in His words will be given whatever they ask, shouldn’t we be asking?  The promise is for whatever we ask, so we should ask BIG.  We need to expand our vision!  Too often we limit what God does for us because we don’t ask for enough.  His promise is to give us whatever we ask.  Why aren’t we asking for many new converts?  Why aren’t we asking for wisdom to speak with our unsaved friends?  Why aren’t we asking how we may use our gifts and talents to further His kingdom?  Maybe our churches and our spirits don’t grow because our vision is too small.  He promises that whatever we ask, He will give, in order to bring gloryto God.  But first, we must ask, and we must ask big.  Expand the vision!

Oh God, there are so many needs in this world.  There are so many people who do not know your saving grace.  There are so many people struggling.  Show us how to boldly pray for those things that will truly glorify you.

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”