EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY MORE

SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:13-17 KJV - “But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

In yesterday’s blog, I wrote about BELIEVING and RECEIVING when we pray. Today’s blog post focuses on praying with anticipation.

Can anyone relate to Elisabeth’s dilemma? She was barren, which at that time was considered disgraceful. I envision her and Zacharias agonizing in prayer as they begged God for a child. We don’t know the details of what they petitioned God for; however, I am wondering whether they merely asked for a child without recognizing God’s sovereign plan.

Note how God used the angel Gabriel to describe His response to their prayer:

1) Their child would bring joy not only to them but to many others. (Luke 1:14 KJV)

2) He would be filled with the Spirit as a baby to be used powerfully by the Lord. (Luke 1:15 KJV)

3) He would turn many hearts towards the Lord. (Luke 1:16-17 KJV)

I have seven grandchildren and love them all. One of my granddaughters stepped out in faith this year and is currently training to become a missionary. She’s only eighteen years old and on fire for God. She spoke at my retreat this year and received a standing ovation. My heart bursts with joy as I observe God do a remarkable work in her life.

Can you envision how Zacharias and Elisabeth felt as they watched John the Baptist grow and mature in his faith?

Parents and grandparents, are we praying, EXPECTING God to do “exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think” in the lives of our children? Or are we uttering meager, pathetic prayers?

Based on today’s verses, God not only desires to answer our prayers but also intends to bless us in abundance. For what purpose? So that He is glorified in our lives.

“Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us can do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes,” (Ephesians 3:20 (TLB).

My friend, never forget how gracious and generous God is! I know I’m sensing God’s nudge to strengthen my faith and escalate my EXPECTATIONS when I pray.

During this Holy Season, may we give God the greatest gift of all—faith in Him.

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NASB20)

STAYING MOTIVATED AMID THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

I don’t know about you, but I’m sensing an elevation in my spirit as I write these blog posts on prayer. What a delightful privilege God has blessed us with. What ways can we share this treasure with others? I’m thinking a “prayer” or “prayer and praise” jar would be a splendid gift. Let’s stir up those creative

minds and see what we produce. I’d love to hear your suggestions.  

What creation did you come up wth? Drop a picture below.