Good Morning Beloved,
In the Book of 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, the Apostle Paul says Jabez Prays’: “Oh, Lord, bless me indeed and expand my territory. Keep Your hand on me, and keep evil from me, that I may not cause pain!’ Jabez asks God for more. His current reality was not sufficient to what he knew God could do, therefore, he stepped out on faith asking God to broaden his territory. God granted his request because Jabez had remained devoutly faithful. It seems as though everywhere we look, we hear talk of loss and devastation. The news media has nothing but negative information and we are forced to reckon with the fact that the God we serve has the whole world in his hands even in the midst of a worldwide crisis. I know all the reports are telling you destruction is on the horizon, but today I challenge you to expect more from God. Allow God to amaze you and do more than you ever expected. All things are possible through Christ.
As I spoke to global partner-member, he told me about his sick mother, who’s been in and out of the hospital. We spoke about the toll this sickness has taken on his own marriage. I could sense the pain in his voice. I knew how much he was hurting and how he was longing for God to bring change into his life. God has already given him so much but now he is in a season where he needs more from God. The truth is something is happening in our world. And whenever there is so much significant change, it can cause us to question ourselves and lose self-esteem. I have been asking myself, am I asking too much? Am I being greedy? Am I being ungrateful? While I am incredibly thankful for all God has done so far, I feel there has to be more. God is going to bring you through every issue you are going through. No matter what you are facing right now, God is saying—There is more in store for you. Your story is not over. God will see you through.
Bishop Autie Hines