Yesterday I entered the church sanctuary with a heavy heart about a big decision.
My pastor, Steve Riggle, read from Numbers 13-14 about Israel cowering at the edge of the Promised Land saying, "there are giants." Then he read from I Cor 16:9 "For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries."
I felt his message was for me alone in the crowd of thousands. Thought you might like to see some of my sermon notes.
Both Paul and Israel came to an open door. Isreal trembled in fear of the giants on the other side. Paul saw the opportunity for ministry even though there were giant obstacles.
If something is from God, will it be easy, smooth, and worry-free? Not necessarily. There are many adversaries.
1. What (or who) opposes us? We have an enemy who wants to stop the kingdom work
2. What divides us? Do our personal agendas keep us from seeing God?
3. What distracts us? Are we so busy we can't focus?
4. What keeps us from the vision? Vision is beyond what our eyes can see because eyes see giants and vision sees God.
Do we see obstacles or opportunity?
Do we see doors or difficulties?
The message isn't against frugal decisions or fiscal responsibilities but the message is about asking the question: "Is this opportunities credible and does it honor God?"
The measurement is the voice of God. (We recognize the voice because we've heard it before-in smaller decisions-like David did when the lion and the bear attacked his sheep. He knew the voice and power of God so when he saw the giant, he said, "You're too big to miss!"
The biggest obstacle may be the biggest opportunity. IF God has opened a door, he will help us walk through it.
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