YOU CAN BE MORE
The divine message suggests that there is potential for greater achievement, yet it is crucial to assess one’s current position as we engage in this discussion over the next half hour. To aspire for more necessitates a clear understanding of one’s present circumstances; without this awareness, the concept of “more” becomes ambiguous. If one expresses a desire for something beyond their current state, it implies a need for a broader perspective. However, lacking clarity about one’s identity and the present situation hinders the ability to envision what lies ahead. As we enter this new year, many individuals grapple with the significance of emergence in their lives, questioning the areas where they can truly evolve and identifying the pressing needs that call for transformation.
Among those listening, some may find themselves in a state of contentment, responding to inquiries about their well-being with a nonchalant, “We can’t complain.” This response reflects a mindset of acceptance, where individuals may begin to settle into complacency. Conversely, others may have entered the year with a fierce determination, vowing to confront any obstacles, including personal relationships, with relentless resolve. This aggressive approach, likened to a runaway vehicle, underscores the need for balance; while ambition is commendable, it is essential to cultivate perspective to avoid undermining what one seeks to build. Additionally, there are those who, despite recognizing the potential for growth, may feel a loss of enthusiasm and require encouragement to regain their momentum and zest for life.
The sense of aspiration that many once held has diminished, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Individuals may find themselves grappling with a profound loss of motivation, struggling to rekindle that spark of ambition. This phenomenon is not uncommon, as the pandemic has left a lasting impact on mental and emotional well-being. It is essential to recognize that while many have experienced pain during this tumultuous period, the subsequent trauma requires a different approach. The distinction between pain and trauma is crucial; pain is often a direct result of adverse experiences, while trauma lingers, affecting one’s ability to move forward. As we transition into a new season, it is imperative to confront and address the trauma that has arisen from our experiences, rather than merely attempting to bounce back without proper healing.
For individuals, particularly within the African diaspora, acknowledging trauma can be a challenging endeavor. There is a tendency to adopt a resilient facade, urging oneself to “pick up and move on” without fully processing the emotional ramifications of past events. However, true healing necessitates a partnership with faith and spiritual guidance. It is vital to seek divine assistance in navigating the complexities of trauma, as this journey is not solely about overcoming pain but also about achieving wholeness. As we emerge from this difficult chapter, it is important to recognize that each person’s journey is unique; some may transition from scarcity to abundance, while others may shift from mere success to a deeper sense of significance. In this collective emergence, let us remain open to the healing and support that is being offered, trusting that we will be equipped to face the challenges ahead.
While everything appears to be satisfactory, there remains a pressing need for personal growth and spiritual emergence. It is essential that we delve into the teachings of the Bible, particularly the insights found in John chapter 12, starting from verse 21. In this passage, Jesus shares a significant experience that underscores the importance of recognizing our own potential for growth. If Jesus himself acknowledged the necessity of striving for more, it is imperative that we, too, embrace this call to action. By understanding and applying the principles of emergence as demonstrated by Jesus, we can cultivate a deeper connection with our faith and ultimately transform our lives.
The narrative in John chapter 12 reveals an intriguing interaction involving certain Greeks who sought to meet Jesus during a festival. They approached Philip, a disciple from Bethsaida, expressing their desire to see the Lord. Philip, rather than directly addressing the request, consulted Andrew, and together they approached Jesus. This indirect communication suggests that the request carried a weight that warranted careful handling, indicating that the visitors were outside the typical audience of Jesus’ ministry. The presence of these Greeks signifies a broader outreach and a shift in the scope of Jesus’ mission. This year, you too are called to expand your horizons and step beyond your usual boundaries, embracing new opportunities for growth and connection.
When the moment arises for expansion or greater aspirations, there often exists a tendency to approach such opportunities with caution.
This cautious attitude is exemplified by the disciples, who, when faced with the prospect of sharing their grand visions, were met with a desire from others to temper their enthusiasm. This reaction stems from a protective instinct, as seen when Philip and Andrew conveyed to Jesus the interest of certain individuals in meeting Him. In response, Jesus declared that the time had come for the Son of Man to be glorified, emphasizing the necessity of transformation and sacrifice. He illustrated this concept with the metaphor of a grain of wheat, stating that unless it falls to the ground and dies, it remains solitary; however, if it dies, it yields a bountiful harvest. This metaphor serves as a profound reminder that to achieve greater things, one must embrace the process of letting go and allowing for growth.
To further elucidate this principle, one can refer to the account in Matthew 15, where a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, pleading for mercy on behalf of her demon-possessed daughter. Despite her desperate cries, Jesus initially remained silent, prompting His disciples to urge Him to dismiss her. This interaction highlights the context in which Jesus was operating at that time, focusing primarily on the lost sheep of Israel, which limited His outreach to the Jewish community. The woman’s persistence in seeking help illustrates the struggle between societal boundaries and the desire for divine intervention. Ultimately, this narrative underscores the importance of recognizing the potential for growth and transformation, even in the face of initial resistance or limitations.
This year, there is a divine promise of expansion and increase in your life. The response may not be immediately evident, as illustrated by the encounter between Jesus and a woman who sought His help. Initially, Jesus did not respond to her pleas, and His disciples urged Him to send her away due to her persistent cries. However, when He did speak, He clarified His mission, stating that He was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This delineation of purpose highlights the limitations of His ministry at that time. Nevertheless, the woman, undeterred by the apparent rejection, approached Him in worship, pleading for assistance. Her determination and faith were so profound that, despite the initial focus of Jesus’ mission, she received the mercy she sought.
In a remarkable turn of events, Jesus acknowledged her faith, declaring it to be great and granting her request for healing for her daughter. This interaction serves as a powerful reminder that faith can transcend boundaries and limitations. The woman’s insistence exemplifies how one can press beyond perceived restrictions to access divine grace. As we reflect on this narrative, it becomes clear that even when circumstances seem unfavorable, faith can open doors to extraordinary possibilities. For those who may feel marginalized or unworthy, this story encourages the belief that divine mercy can lead to transformative experiences. As we move forward, let us embrace the notion that the God of mercy is poised to bring about significant change in our lives, regardless of our past experiences.
When mercy manifests, it transcends the past and the circumstances one has faced; it does not matter if one has strayed far from the path intended by God. The arrival of mercy is akin to the persistent faith demonstrated by the Canaanite woman, which can lead to a significant breakthrough. Although this may not be the central theme of my message today, I feel compelled to share this prophetic insight for someone present. You may have entered this gathering feeling undeserving of grace, favor, or even the mercy of God, yet I assure you that mercy has located you today. It is imperative that you do not leave this place without earnestly seeking something profound. As you embark on a new week, remember that God has the power to qualify those who feel unqualified. If you find yourself in a state of spiritual disarray, I urge you to embrace the opportunity to submit your life to Christ when the moment arises. The mercy of God is extended to you, making you a candidate for divine intervention.
As we reflect on the transformative power of mercy, it is essential to recognize that God is poised to erase all the negative judgments and accusations that have been levied against you. He is prepared to reverse the course of your life, ushering in a new beginning as we move forward into 2022. While I may only be addressing a few individuals, I assure you that for those few, your lives will be irrevocably changed. Shifting our focus from the Canaanite woman, we see that by the time we reach John chapter 11, a pivotal moment occurs when Jesus acknowledges a change in His mission. He learns that others, previously outside His intended audience, are now seeking Him, prompting Him to declare that the time has come for His glorification. This signifies a new season of opportunity and growth, reminding us that just as a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit, so too must we embrace the transformative journey that lies ahead.
The process of dying leads to the emergence of abundant fruit, illustrating the profound potential and promise encapsulated within a seed.
A seed serves as a vessel of possibility, and each individual harbors such seeds within themselves. As we progress through this year, it is essential to recognize the seeds of potential that lie within us, and my hope is that divine insight will illuminate these seeds, enabling us to place them in their rightful contexts. The individual who truly understands the significance of sowing seeds is one who is prepared to rise and flourish, as there exists a seed within each person waiting to be acknowledged. A critical inquiry arises: have you recognized this seed? Within your seed, there are additional seeds that can only be activated when the original seed is sown, leading to fruitful outcomes. As we advance into 2022 and delve deeper into the divine plans set before us, it is imperative for each of us to perceive our lives as seeds that require planting. Jesus himself articulated his existence, mission, and purpose as a seed, emphasizing that for growth to occur beyond a certain threshold, the seed must be buried.