June 18th, 2011 was the second day of the evangelistic crusade with pastor William Kumuyi. He preached on the crucial t human characteristic of perseverance.
The dictionary gives us the following definition of the word “perseverance” – a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition:the action or condition or instance of persevering:steadfastness.
The word “despair”, means a state of hopelessness, helplessness and discouragement.
The speaker started the sermon explaining that a desperately begging person will most likely receive a positive answer satisfying their need.
“God likes persuaded and desperate people who are willing to use everything they have to get what they want. God particularly delights in those who, having not found what they desired anywhere else, decide to fully rely on God, placing the situation under His control, recognizing His power, majesty and glory”,– said the pastor.
After the sermon each member of the church was challenged to reflect on what efforts they could make to receive a miracle? Even paralyzed people were encouraged to move on, for they had eyes to see, ears to hear and a mouth to speak.
The Pastor turned to this Scripture passage:
“As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has zmade you well.” (Luke 18:35)
From this passage we can identify several characteristics that helped the blind man to receive his miracle:
– The ability to use what he had. Even though he was blind he was not desperate. He could not see, but could speak. In this story the blind man spoke to attract Jesus’ attention and receive his miracle.
– Focus on the goal. The man was not even distracted by the people who forced him keep silent. He decided to take advantage of the opportunity, for he could not guarantee there would be another chance.
– He was able conceive and willing to receive the miracle from God. The man knew and believed that if he turned to Jesus and asked Him for healing, he would receive it.
– A willingness to hear only the voice of God – to be most sensitive and attuned to receive the answer from above.
Healing from a 15-year paralysis and partial recovery from cerebral palsy, vision, and deliverance from heaviness in the legs, knee and back restoration were among the testimonies of God’s miracles.
The second day of the evangelical crusade concluded with a prayer for the needs of the new comers and for the trait of perseverance to be in God’s people.
Dear brothers and sisters! Think about things you have today, that you could use to receive your miracle! What you can now draw to God’s attention that would cause Him to turn His gaze upon you and give you what you ask for? Are you determined to achieve your goal?
Blessings,
Report from the second day of the crusade, June 18th, 2011.
Press-centre of the Embassy of God Church.
Translated by Iryna Panasyuk
Edited by Kizito Leacock
