DARING GREATLY
The scripture reminds us that for those who are connected to the living God, there is always hope. It is likened to a living dog being better off than a dead lion. This analogy serves as a powerful reminder that as long as we are aligned with the God of the living, there is hope and a promise of a brighter future. Despite the challenges we may face, we can take comfort in the fact that God is the lifter of our heads. He will not allow us to remain downtrodden, but instead, He will elevate us to a place of strength and victory.
As we navigate through these uncertain times, it is crucial to hold on to the belief that God has a plan for each one of us. Regardless of our doubts or fears, His plan remains steadfast. It is essential for us to embrace this truth and align ourselves with His divine purpose. Let us come together with our loved ones, friends, and colleagues to seek solace in prayer and worship. By engaging in spiritual practices, we open ourselves up to the blessings and goodness that God has in store for us. May we walk in faith, daring greatly, knowing that God’s plan for us is one of prosperity and hope.
I have chosen to label this discussion as ‘Daring Greatly.’ To begin, I would like to reference the book of Habakkuk, specifically chapter 2, where I will read verses 1 through 4. This passage is one that many of us are likely familiar with, as it addresses the concept of vision and emphasizes the importance of pursuing that vision with determination. In verse 1, the scripture states, “I will stand upon my watch and set myself upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved,” as rendered in the King James Version. This verse sets the stage for a reflective and attentive posture, one that is necessary for receiving divine guidance.
Continuing with verse 2, the Lord responds by instructing, “Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” This directive underscores the necessity of clarity in our aspirations and the urgency with which we should pursue them. Verse 3 further elaborates, stating, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it shall speak, and not lie. Though it may tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” This passage reassures us that while the fulfillment of our visions may not occur immediately, patience is essential, as the realization of our hopes is guaranteed in due time. Finally, verse 4 contrasts the proud with the righteous, declaring, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”
As we delve into the theme of faith that transcends the ordinary, we explore how such faith enables us to navigate through crises, uncertainties, anxiety, and fear. Engaging in a life of faith allows us to witness the manifestations of God’s grace, favor, and divine providence, orchestrating circumstances for our benefit. By choosing to embrace an unwavering trust in God, we align ourselves with His intentions, which are always geared towards our well-being. It is essential to communicate this message of hope to those around us, encouraging them to recognize that God has wonderful plans in store for them. As you share this uplifting truth with your neighbors or fellow worshippers, do so with conviction and warmth, affirming that God is indeed working everything out for their good.
In the passage from the book of Habbakuk Chapter 2, the prophet declares his intention to set himself apart and stand on his watch. He expresses his determination to position himself on the rampart and watch for what God will say to him. This is a call for all of us to also stand on our watch, to be vigilant and attentive to what God is communicating to us. The prophet’s words prompt us to consider whether we are actively watching and waiting on the Lord, and if we have positioned ourselves in a way that allows us to connect with God’s plans for the future.
The passage emphasizes the importance of having audacious faith, especially in the current global context of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and facing a potential recession. It underscores the need to hear God clearly, as this forms the foundation for a life of faith. Living by faith involves not only believing in God’s word but also acting on it. It is a call to be fully activated in faith, to be positioned for audacious and daring faith, and to be attentive to what God is communicating about the future.
The passage from Habbakuk Chapter 2 encourages us to live by faith, to move and grow in faith, and to release audacious faith that enables us to dare greatly. It prompts us to reflect on our readiness to embrace audacious faith and to consider what we are hearing about the future. The passage reminds us that faith is not just about belief, but about belief that leads to action. It challenges us to be proactive in our faith and to position ourselves in a way that allows us to fully engage with God’s plans for the future.
Due to recent events in the past few weeks, many individuals have found their faith wavering. It is understandable that when faced with challenges and uncertainties, one may be tempted to lower their expectations and goals for the future. For instance, if you had set specific goals for the year, you might be inclined to reconsider them in light of the time that has been lost or the obstacles that have arisen. The idea of rightsizing or downsizing one’s expectations may seem like a practical response to the current circumstances.
However, it is important to resist the urge to downsize one’s faith and expectations. Instead of allowing external factors to dictate the course of your faith journey, it is crucial to maintain a daring faith in God. The Bible reminds us in Ephesians chapter 3, verse 20, that God is capable of exceeding our expectations and doing more than we can ask or imagine. Therefore, it is essential to trust in God’s promises and continue to believe in His plans for us, even in challenging times.
Daring faith is not about ignoring reality or being reckless, but rather about trusting in God’s sovereignty and power. It is about holding onto our faith confession and not allowing external circumstances to diminish our expectations or goals. By having a daring faith, we align ourselves with God’s will and purpose, knowing that He is in control and will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. Therefore, let us not succumb to the temptation of rightsizing our faith, but instead, let us dare greatly and trust in God’s faithfulness through every season of life.
Firstly, the concept of daring faith is rooted in the belief that the fulfillment of God’s vision and dreams for us is always in the future. This idea is drawn from the book of Habbakuk, where it is stated that the vision should be written and made plain so that those who read it may run with it. The vision is said to be for an appointed time, which emphasizes that the fulfillment is not in the past but in the future. This highlights the importance of understanding that whatever vision or dream God has placed in our hearts, there is an appointed time in our destiny for its fulfillment. This is further supported by Proverbs 4 verse 18, which compares the path of the just to a shining light that shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day. Additionally, the scripture emphasizes that we are transformed from one level of glory to another by the spirit of God, indicating that God’s plan is for us to move from one level of glory to another, signifying that our future is intended to be better than our past.
Secondly, daring faith is also based on the belief that nothing is impossible with God. This notion is derived from Matthew 19 verse 26, which states that with God, nothing shall be impossible. This serves as a reminder that when we have daring faith, we are acknowledging that there are no limits to what God can do. It encourages us to have unwavering faith in God’s ability to bring about the fulfillment of His promises and plans for our lives. This understanding of the limitless power of God further reinforces the idea that the best of God is always in the future, not in the past. It inspires us to maintain our trust in God, regardless of the circumstances we may be facing, and to hold onto the belief that God’s best is yet to come.
In conclusion, the concept of daring faith is deeply rooted in the belief that the fulfillment of God’s vision and dreams for us is always in the future, and that nothing is impossible with God. This understanding encourages us to trust in God’s timing and to have unwavering faith in His ability to bring about the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a reminder that the best of God is always ahead of us, and that we should not allow present circumstances to diminish our expectations or faith in God’s plans for our future.
Daring greatly is rooted in the belief that our most ambitious dreams and visions can become reality if they are inspired by God and if we relentlessly pursue them with unwavering faith. The Bible teaches us that victory over the challenges of the world is achieved through faith in God. Anything that originates from God is destined to triumph over any obstacle that may come our way. It is essential to have the courage to believe in and act upon these divine ideas, even when faced with adversity or difficult circumstances.
It is crucial not to succumb to the temptation of resigning to the notion that external factors, such as the current global pandemic, can limit our expectations or hinder the fulfillment of our dreams. Faith, like that of Abraham, is bold and audacious, enabling us to persevere and strive for greatness even in the midst of trials and tribulations. We must resist the urge to lower our expectations or diminish our faith due to external influences or challenging situations.
Therefore, it is imperative to remember three fundamental principles when daring greatly: firstly,
God’s best is always ahead of us, not behind us;
secondly, nothing is impossible with God; and thirdly, our most extravagant dreams will come to fruition if they are inspired by God. By embracing these principles and holding onto our faith, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve the extraordinary. Let us not allow external circumstances or negative thinking to diminish our faith or limit our expectations, but instead, let us trust in God’s plan for our lives and boldly pursue our dreams with unwavering faith.
In light of all the circumstances, I am fully cognizant of the prevailing reality that fear and anxiety have become the most easily accessible commodities in the current environment. The pervasive uncertainty that surrounds us has made fear and anxiety tangible, something that can be grasped, held onto, and consumed. Even individuals who are considered great leaders are grappling with confusion in these times. Leaders of various organizations and nations find themselves navigating through a season of uncertainty, prompting people to proceed with caution. It is crucial to acknowledge the prevalent state of affairs, but it is equally important to remember the words from Philippians 4:6 in the Bible, which admonish us not to be anxious about anything. This includes situations such as a pandemic, economic recession, loss of income, unemployment, health issues, and even the restrictions imposed by lockdowns and shutdowns.
The scripture emphasizes the importance of not succumbing to anxiety and worry, urging us to trust in God’s providence and sovereignty. By internalizing this message and choosing to remain calm and steadfast in our faith, we activate a sense of peace and assurance that can only come from a place of rest in God. It is crucial to resist the temptation to give in to fear and anxiety, as doing so can lead us down a path of self-preservation. When we allow ourselves to be consumed by worry and apprehension, we inadvertently limit our ability to perceive the divine work that God is orchestrating in our lives. Therefore, it is imperative to heed the call to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God’s plan is unfolding even in the midst of uncertainty and turmoil.
As we navigate through these challenging times, it is essential to remind ourselves of the power of faith and trust in God’s divine providence. By choosing to relinquish our fears and anxieties to God, we open ourselves up to a deeper sense of peace and security that transcends human understanding. Rather than resorting to self-preservation and allowing fear to dictate our actions, we must anchor ourselves in the unwavering belief that God is in control. By embracing a posture of trust and surrender, we position ourselves to witness the miraculous work of God unfolding in our lives, even amidst the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds us.
Let us, therefore, heed the call to be anxious for nothing,
knowing that our faith is most potent when we choose to rest in God’s unfailing love and providence.
It is crucial to understand that the concept of self-preservation can sometimes cloud our ability to perceive the divine interventions of God in our lives. When we become fixated on preserving ourselves, our vision becomes limited, much like the story of Elisha and his servant facing an army. The servant, consumed by fear and self-preservation, could only see the physical threat before him. However, when Elisha prayed for his eyes to be opened, he was able to witness the chariots of fire surrounding them, revealing God’s protection. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that focusing solely on self-preservation can hinder our spiritual sight.
In times of uncertainty and anxiety, it is easy to fall into the trap of self-preservation, where our thoughts revolve around safeguarding what we have and fear of losing it. However, it is essential to remember that God’s plans for us may extend beyond what we can comprehend. Even when faced with challenges like job loss, it is crucial to trust that God has a greater purpose in store for us. By shifting our focus from self-preservation to God’s providence, we open ourselves up to the possibility of blessings and opportunities that we may not have considered otherwise.
To maintain a God-centric perspective amidst trials and uncertainties requires humility and consecration. It is a conscious choice to trust in God’s sovereignty rather than succumb to the grip of fear and anxiety. Making decisions rooted in faith and trust in God’s plan ensures that we are guided by divine wisdom rather than our limited understanding. By reaffirming our belief in God’s control and protection, we can resist the temptation of self-preservation and embrace a mindset that is aligned with God’s will for our lives. Let us declare with unwavering faith that God is in control, and we will not be swayed by the allure of self-preservation.
In the passage from Matthew 26, starting from verse 39, we are presented with a profound moment in the life of Jesus as he prays in the garden of Gethsemane. Despite knowing what God’s plan entailed, Jesus grappled with the impending pain and suffering that lay ahead. His disciples were also in a state of crisis, fearing the unknown consequences of the events unfolding before them. Peter, in his fear, even resorted to using violence by cutting off the ear of one of the individuals who had come to arrest Jesus.
As we delve deeper into Matthew 26, we encounter a pivotal moment where Jesus offers a prayer of consecration, showcasing his humility and unwavering commitment to God’s will. This act of humility stands in stark contrast to the self-preserving tendencies that often plague human decision-making processes. In a world where self-preservation and personal agendas often take precedence, Jesus’ example serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize God’s plan above all else.
The narrative of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of slowing down and seeking God’s perspective in the face of life’s challenges and decisions. It underscores the necessity of humility and consecration in navigating the complexities of faith and obedience. Embracing a daring faith, characterized by submission to God’s will, is not only a courageous act but also a transformative journey towards fulfilling God’s greater plan for our lives. Let us heed the call to slow down, seek God’s guidance, and embrace humility and consecration as we navigate the path set before us.
Being God-centric entails constantly seeking to understand and align with God’s perspective on the various aspects of life. It involves acknowledging that our own plans and desires may fall short of what God has in store for us. By striving to see things from God’s point of view, we can avoid pursuing goals that are self-centered and ultimately unfulfilling. It is crucial to remember that God’s vision for us surpasses what we can imagine or aspire to on our own.
It is easy to become overwhelmed by challenges and setbacks, leading us to focus solely on restoring what we have lost or maintaining the status quo. However, being God-centric requires us to look beyond our immediate needs and circumstances. Instead of simply trying to return to where we were before, we are called to embrace God’s greater plan for us. This may involve daring greatly, stepping out in faith, and trusting that God’s vision for our lives is far more expansive and fulfilling than our own limited expectations.
In times of uncertainty or difficulty, it is natural to feel anxious about the future and to seek quick solutions to alleviate our immediate concerns. However, being God-centric means having the faith to see beyond our current circumstances and to trust in God’s provision and guidance. Rather than shrinking our vision to fit within the confines of our own understanding, we are encouraged to expand our faith and embrace the grander vision that God has for each of us. By aligning our goals and aspirations with God’s plan, we can experience true fulfillment and purpose in our lives.
Encouragement is being given to stretch one’s faith in order to align with God’s agenda rather than personal desires. An example is provided with Abraham’s longing for a child, which was eventually fulfilled after decades of waiting. However, God’s plan was not just to grant Abraham a child, but to raise a nation through him. This illustrates the importance of elevating one’s desires to match God’s greater purpose, allowing for a deeper walk of faith. It is emphasized that individuals may need to step into a realm where their faith is stretched beyond their current level in order to align with God’s intended path for their lives.
The concept of the value chain of faith is introduced, highlighting the potential for individuals to remain stagnant at a certain level when God is calling them to a higher one. For instance, while someone may aspire to start a business, God’s plan could be to establish an entire industry through them. The message encourages listeners not to limit themselves to small aspirations, but to dream big and align their goals with God’s expansive vision. By embracing this mindset, individuals can become catalysts for significant change and impact on a larger scale.
The message further expands on the idea of transcending personal limitations and dreaming beyond individual achievements. It suggests that God’s plans often extend far beyond what individuals may initially envision for themselves. Examples are given of writing a book, creating a movie, composing a song, or developing an idea that has the potential to impact millions of lives globally. By refusing to be confined by current circumstances or societal norms, individuals are urged to pursue their dreams with faith and boldness, trusting in God’s ability to bring about extraordinary outcomes. The overarching message is to not underestimate the power of faith and to align one’s aspirations with God’s limitless possibilities.
Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) camp, located on the outskirts of Lagos, within Ogun State. This expansive site is remarkable in its scale and significance. During my visit, I was fortunate to be guided by a minister who also serves as a tour guide at the camp. The history of this institution is deeply intertwined with the journey of Pastor E. A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG, which is widely recognized as one of the largest Pentecostal congregations globally, boasting a presence in approximately 150 countries. When Pastor Adeboye assumed leadership, the church was modest, with only a handful of branches and a congregation numbering around 1,000 to 1,500 individuals.
Upon taking over the church, Pastor Adeboye found himself in a challenging situation, having left his lecturer’s apartment at the University of Ilorin to relocate to Lagos. Initially, he resided in a small apartment in Mushin, an area often characterized by its struggles. During this period, he fervently prayed for a house, seeking stability and comfort. However, in a profound turn of events, God responded not by granting him a mere house but by promising him a city. This divine assurance has since manifested into reality, as the RCCG camp has evolved into a thriving city, hosting the largest church gatherings in the world, where millions congregate monthly.
This experience serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless possibilities that faith can unlock. It encourages individuals to trust in God’s plans, which often exceed our own expectations. In light of the challenges posed by the pandemic and economic downturn, it is crucial to realign our aspirations with divine intentions. One should not diminish their dreams or goals due to current circumstances. Instead, it is essential to maintain a vision that is expansive and hopeful, believing that God is capable of achieving far more than we can imagine. This message is particularly relevant today, as it reassures us that the grand visions God has for our lives are not merely for our personal gratification but are part of a greater purpose.
The Bible teaches that when you ask for something, you may not receive it because you are asking with the wrong intentions, seeking to fulfill your own desires rather than seeking what God has placed in your heart. This is why it is crucial to seek God earnestly, especially during this season, as He is opening the heavens and desires to deposit His plans and desires into the hearts of His people. Merely being a child of God is not enough; one must spend time with the Father to receive a download of revelation knowledge, gain new perspectives, and understand the things that God wants to accomplish.
In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus faced the well-known temptations after fasting, and one of these temptations involved the devil challenging Jesus to turn stones into bread to prove that He was the Son of God. However, Jesus recognized that there was no need to prove Himself to the devil, especially when the devil’s intentions were to lead Him astray. Jesus understood that if the source of an idea or desire is not from God, it may lead to destruction, as the scripture warns that there is a way that seems right to a man but leads to destruction. On the other hand, whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and when something comes from God, it is backed by His power, grace, and favor.
Therefore, it is essential to seek God diligently, just as Jesus did when faced with temptation. By seeking God, one can discern whether an idea or desire is from God or from the flesh. By aligning oneself with God’s will and seeking His guidance, one can be assured that the wildest dreams and desires that come from God will come to pass. Seeking God’s will and spending time in His presence is the key to receiving His plans and blessings, and it is crucial to avoid being led astray by desires that do not align with God’s purpose.
In Matthew 14, there is a powerful encounter that takes place. It is described in verse 14 of the Bible where it mentions that Jesus saw a multitude, a crowd, and he had compassion on them. This compassion led him to heal them, showing his love and care for those in need. After the healing took place, the disciples were ready to send the people away, but Jesus had a different perspective. He questioned why they wanted to send them away, emphasizing the importance of taking care of those in need. Jesus, with a heart full of compassion, decided not to send them away but instead challenged the disciples to feed them.
The disciples were taken aback by this request, wondering where they would find enough bread to feed such a large crowd. It is interesting to note that this is the same person who refused to turn stones into bread when tempted, but now he was demonstrating a grander vision of his purpose in the world. Jesus declared that as long as he was in the world, he was the light of the world, bringing life and abundance to those around him. With a few loaves of bread, he miraculously fed 5,000 men, not even counting the women and children present. This act of abundance and provision showcased the power of faith and the fulfillment of dreams beyond imagination.
This story serves as a reminder that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. It encourages us to dream big and walk by faith, trusting in the visions and dreams that God places in our hearts. The scripture reminds us that
the vision is for an appointed time, and though it may seem delayed, it will surely come to pass.
As we live by faith, we can expect our wildest dreams to become a reality. This season is marked by the release of visions and dreams into the hearts of those who dare to believe. Let us hold on to faith, wait in expectation, and witness the greatness that God will bring to pass in our lives.