This weekend, we finished up the Mission Impossible sermon of the "At the Movies" series.
During these last 2 Sundays, we have talked about choosing to accept the mission. This mission is not an easy one. It will take effort to achieve it. Just because God has called us to something, does not mean that He just hands it to us. We will have do something to achieve it.
One thought that came to me as I studied for these messages was the idea that many times a promise will possess us, but we never do what it takes to possess the promise.
The children of Israel had heard about The Promise Land. They had dreamed of what it would look like. Probably imagined themselves in it. But when it came time to actually go to possess the promise, they cowered down to the obstacles in front of them.
Read the text: Number 13:25-33 (ESV)
The first week of our series, we showed that when they got to the Promise Land, it was exactly what God said it would be. All the spies agreed on that.
The second thing you would have to see is that they identified the enemies or obstacles in their path. There was not one of the spies who did not say there were obstacles. Even Joshua and Caleb were on board with that statement.
The truth is, many times we go into a situation and never want to admit that there are enemies that want to take us out. We don't want to admit that there are obstacles in the way of where we want to go. When you are unwilling to admit that or to call those things out, it will create problems for you in the future.
A life that is tune with God has to know that there is an enemy that wants to defeat you. He will use any and every method possible. He has no rules. He has no honor. If it takes going through your family to defeat you, that's exactly what he will use.
The bible tells us that before we enter into anything, we need to count the cost (Luke 14:28). You wouldn't build a shed without considering the cost. But many times, people accept a mission or call without truly considering what they face. It's not a lack of faith to look at obstacles and to identify areas of your life that could be opposed. The lack of faith comes when you allow the obstacle to keep you from even attempting.
That brings us to the last part. Faith is what what separates the winners from the losers.
When the spies began to call out the problems, there were only 2 who broke from the group. Caleb and Joshua would not buy into the idea that the obstacles were bigger than God. Caleb told the group, "We are WELL ABLE to overcome it." I like that phrase. It's not just that they were able, but more than able.
One of my favorite worship songs right now is "More Than Able" by Elevation Worship. Here is a link if you would like to listen to it (YouTube Link to Song) The song asks a question at the very beginning, "When did I start to forget all of the great things you did?" One of the reasons we don't step into the promises that God has for our lives, is that forget or question His ability to do things. But our God never changed and He is still able to do abundantly and exceedingly above all that we could ask for, think of, or comprehend.
If you want to possess the promise, you will have to step out in faith. And faith simply defined is what you believe God will do. When we don't step out, it's like we are telling the world, that the enemy is greater than our God. Faith in His ability and ways is what will separate those that possess the promise and those that simply let the promise possess them.
You have a mission should you choose to accept it. But do you have the faith that the God who called you to it, will see you through it? The choice is yours!
PJ