Faith in Action: Embracing God's Timing and Miracles
Summary
### Summary
Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ. Today, we reflected on the storms of life and how they can be opportunities for God's work to shine through. We shared a testimony of our mission work in Mozambique, where we helped rebuild homes and churches after a devastating tornado. This act of service is a testament to God's grace and favor, which we have experienced throughout our ministry in Africa. We have been faithful in spreading the gospel from Cape Town to Cairo, working in numerous countries and witnessing God's rewards for our labor.
We also discussed the challenges of ministering in predominantly non-Christian countries, particularly in regions hostile to Christianity. Despite these challenges, God has given us innovative strategies to reach the unreached, such as training gardeners and domestics to minister to children, leading to the conversion of entire families. This approach has been remarkably successful, and we are now preparing to expand this mission further.
Our focus then shifted to the story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood from Luke 8. Jairus, a respected synagogue ruler, became a desperate beggar at Jesus' feet, pleading for his dying daughter. Simultaneously, an unnamed woman, suffering for 12 years, touched Jesus' garment in faith and was healed. These stories illustrate the power of faith and the importance of persistence in seeking Jesus.
We emphasized that God often prepares us for miracles long before they happen. Jairus' daughter's age and the woman's 12-year affliction were not coincidences but part of God's divine timing. Faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can be multiplied by God to bring about miraculous changes. Testimonies of God's work, like those we shared from our mission fields, are powerful tools that build faith and draw others to Christ.
In conclusion, we encouraged everyone to look at what is in their hand, to see the potential for God to multiply their faith and bring about breakthroughs. Just as the woman with the issue of blood became a somebody in God's eyes, so can each of us when we step out in faith and trust in His timing.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith in Action: The story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that faith requires action. Jairus, despite his status, humbled himself and begged Jesus for help. The woman, despite her condition, reached out in faith to touch Jesus' garment. Both actions led to miraculous outcomes, showing that faith must be coupled with action to see God's power manifest. [01:23:39]
2. God's Timing: The 12-year affliction of the woman and the age of Jairus' daughter were not coincidences but part of God's divine timing. This teaches us that God prepares us for miracles long before they happen. Our faith journey is often a process where God aligns circumstances to reveal His glory at the perfect time. [01:39:42]
3. Innovative Evangelism: Our mission work in Africa demonstrates the importance of innovative strategies in evangelism. By training gardeners and domestics to minister to children, we have seen entire families come to Christ. This approach shows that God can use anyone and any method to spread His gospel, emphasizing the need for creativity and obedience in ministry. [01:10:17]
4. The Power of Testimonies: Testimonies of God's work are powerful tools that build faith and draw others to Christ. Sharing stories of divine healings and breakthroughs, like those from our mission fields, encourages others to believe in God's power and seek Him earnestly. Testimonies are not just stories; they are faith-building experiences that inspire and transform lives. [01:47:28]
5. What is in Your Hand?: God often asks us to use what we already have. Whether it's a small amount of faith, a skill, or a resource, God can multiply it to achieve great things. Just as Moses used his staff and the boy offered his loaves and fishes, we are called to offer what we have and trust God to multiply it for His glory. [01:38:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[56:54] - Mozambique Mission Testimony
[57:38] - Introduction of Rena
[01:04:16] - First Love and Commitment
[01:05:18] - Expanding Ministry in Africa
[01:06:34] - Challenges in Non-Christian Countries
[01:07:39] - Strategy for Reaching the Unreached
[01:09:28] - Success of Field Testing
[01:10:17] - Training Gardeners and Domestics
[01:11:37] - Ambitious Plans in Ethiopia
[01:12:47] - Evangelism Explosion Kids Program
[01:14:10] - Partnering with Ethiopian Church
[01:15:07] - Using Technology for Evangelism
[01:16:24] - Preparing for the Great Harvest
[01:21:20] - The Story of Jairus and the Woman with the Issue of Blood
[01:23:39] - Jairus' Desperation and Faith
[01:25:49] - The Woman's Determination and Healing
[01:30:13] - Jesus' Response to Faith
[01:33:12] - Connection Between Jairus and the Woman
[01:35:26] - The Nature of Faith
[01:39:42] - God's Divine Timing
[01:47:28] - The Power of Testimonies
[01:49:13] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 8:40-48 (NIV)
> "Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 'Who touched me?' Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.' Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.'"
2. Mark 9:22-24 (NIV)
> "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.' 'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.' Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"
3. Exodus 4:2 (NIV)
> "Then the Lord said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' 'A staff,' he replied."
### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jairus take when he approached Jesus, and what was his request? [01:22:44]
2. Describe the condition and actions of the woman with the issue of blood. How did she approach Jesus? [01:25:49]
3. What was Jesus' response when the woman touched his garment, and what did he say to her? [01:30:13]
4. In Mark 9:22-24, what did the father of the demon-possessed boy ask Jesus, and how did Jesus respond?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood illustrate the concept of faith in action? [01:23:39]
2. What does the 12-year affliction of the woman and the age of Jairus' daughter suggest about God's timing and preparation for miracles? [01:39:42]
3. How does the innovative evangelism strategy used in Africa, such as training gardeners and domestics, reflect the idea that God can use anyone and any method to spread His gospel? [01:10:17]
4. Why are testimonies of God's work considered powerful tools for building faith and drawing others to Christ? [01:47:28]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to take a bold step of faith like Jairus or the woman with the issue of blood. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith? [01:23:39]
2. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt God's timing was perfect, even if it didn't seem so initially? How did this experience shape your understanding of God's divine timing? [01:39:42]
3. In what ways can you be innovative in sharing the gospel within your own community? Are there specific skills or resources you have that God might use to reach others? [01:10:17]
4. Think about a testimony of God's work in your life. How can you share this testimony to encourage and build the faith of others around you? [01:47:28]
5. What is something you currently have in your hand (a skill, resource, or small amount of faith) that you can offer to God for Him to multiply? How can you take a step of faith to use it for His glory? [01:38:02]
6. How can you cultivate a persistent faith like the woman with the issue of blood, especially in challenging situations? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith muscle? [01:25:49]
7. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with their faith. How can you support and encourage them, perhaps by sharing your own experiences or testimonies? [01:47:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Requires Action
Faith in action is a powerful force that can lead to miraculous outcomes. The story of Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood illustrates this truth vividly. Jairus, a respected synagogue ruler, humbled himself and begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite his status, he took action driven by faith. Similarly, the woman, who had been suffering for 12 years, reached out in faith to touch Jesus' garment, believing that even a small act of faith could bring her healing. Both individuals demonstrated that faith must be coupled with action to see God's power manifest. Their stories remind us that no matter our circumstances, taking steps of faith can lead to divine intervention and transformation. [01:23:39]
Mark 5:27-28 (ESV): "She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, 'If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need God's intervention. What specific action can you take today to demonstrate your faith in God's power to change that situation?
Day 2: God's Divine Timing
God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed to us. The 12-year affliction of the woman and the age of Jairus' daughter were not coincidences but part of God's divine plan. These details highlight that God prepares us for miracles long before they happen. Our faith journey often involves waiting and trusting that God is aligning circumstances to reveal His glory at the perfect time. This teaches us patience and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is always at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. [01:39:42]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was delaying an answer to your prayers. How did the outcome demonstrate God's perfect timing? How can you apply this understanding to a current situation where you are waiting on God?
Day 3: Innovative Evangelism
Innovative strategies in evangelism can lead to remarkable results. In regions where traditional methods may not be effective, creativity and obedience to God's guidance are crucial. Training gardeners and domestics to minister to children in non-Christian countries has led to the conversion of entire families. This approach shows that God can use anyone and any method to spread His gospel. It emphasizes the importance of being open to new ways of reaching the unreached and trusting that God can work through unconventional means to draw people to Himself. [01:10:17]
1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
Reflection: Consider your unique skills and opportunities. How can you use them creatively to share the gospel with those around you? What unconventional method might God be calling you to explore in your evangelism efforts?
Day 4: The Power of Testimonies
Testimonies of God's work are powerful tools that build faith and draw others to Christ. Sharing stories of divine healings and breakthroughs encourages others to believe in God's power and seek Him earnestly. Testimonies are not just stories; they are faith-building experiences that inspire and transform lives. When we share what God has done in our lives, we provide tangible evidence of His love and power, which can lead others to a deeper faith and trust in Him. [01:47:28]
Psalm 66:16 (ESV): "Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul."
Reflection: Think of a recent experience where you witnessed God's work in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement in their faith journey today?
Day 5: What is in Your Hand?
God often asks us to use what we already have. Whether it's a small amount of faith, a skill, or a resource, God can multiply it to achieve great things. Just as Moses used his staff and the boy offered his loaves and fishes, we are called to offer what we have and trust God to multiply it for His glory. This principle encourages us to look at our current resources and abilities, no matter how insignificant they may seem, and offer them to God in faith, believing that He can use them to bring about significant breakthroughs and blessings. [01:38:02]
Exodus 4:2-3 (ESV): "The Lord said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' He said, 'A staff.' And he said, 'Throw it on the ground.' So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it."
Reflection: Identify something you have in your hand today—a talent, resource, or opportunity. How can you offer it to God and trust Him to multiply it for His purposes? What step of faith can you take to put this into action?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have served the Lord for many, many years. And we have never lost our first love. Never. We've never grown cold. We've served the Lord with commitment and with dedication. And the life's theme is whatever he tells you to do, do it. And if you follow his guidance, it's amazing how you enjoy his favor." [01:04:16] (29 seconds)
2. "And so we trust that this storm is going to pass by. Spend itself. Spend yourself in the Gulf. And then go home. We are truly grateful to be here. And want to thank you for the generous offering that you blessed us with last year. And you helped us to finalize the project. And we are so grateful for that." [56:54] (26 seconds)
3. "And so we have a program working through two groups. They represent 3,000 churches. And that is to win a half a million souls and mainly penetrating the unreached people's group. So that is something that we are busy rolling out and what we shared last year with the congregation. And now we stand on the threshold of moving into the next and the last country." [01:11:37] (32 seconds)
4. "And so the goal is that we are going to win children. And they are going to become witnesses for Christ. And they are going to be the next generation, one for Jesus. And so we have introduced this in several African countries. And we started in May this year. But the final goal and the real goal is for the last country that we have targeted." [01:12:47] (28 seconds)
5. "Africa shall be saved. And we believe that we are going to save the next generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ as well. A question. What is in your hand? Just have a look at the palm of your hand. And what do you see? Is there nothing? Or are you using your imagination? Can you see something? think that must be the anointing." [01:21:20] (45 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And we have discovered that God rewards work. And God rewards good work with more work. And every single project that we launched, initiated, was the next one was bigger than the first. And now we are engaged in three projects that has been the biggest in our ministry ever since." [01:05:18] (30 seconds)
2. "And if a convert is made. That convert would most probably end up dead. Killed by the family. And it's not unusual. Only in Egypt. Sorry for mentioning that name. I didn't want to. But in your own country. There's a book written, I think, The Next Target. And it told about how converts from that sector to Christianity are targeted. And a member of the family is delegated to kill that person." [01:07:39] (35 seconds)
3. "And so they come down for economic purposes. And they are excellent workers. And the same with Egypt. They love Ethiopians to work in their gardens. And in their homes. Because they are reliable. They have a Christian heritage. And so they are honest. And so they are sought after to come and work in their homes." [01:09:28] (27 seconds)
4. "And so she disguised herself. And she said, and she planned to move in the throng close to Jesus from behind. Because everybody would like Jesus to notice them from the front. But she would sneak up from behind and then pretend she's stumbling and then touch the hem of his garment. And it worked. You see, she planned her work and worked her plan. And she touched the hem of the garment. And the minute she touched it, she knew she was healed." [01:29:36] (36 seconds)
5. "And you see, God is a God that wants to bless. God is a God that has put something in our hand and he will multiply it. He will strengthen it. He will minister to our needs because he is a loving God. And you may wonder, how long do you still have to suffer? She for 12 years wondered, will there ever be a breakthrough? But at God's appointed time, when her life and her miracle could make an impact, it happened." [01:48:11] (35 seconds)
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