I believe we all have been there before—a time when we just didn’t feel like going on. What is the point of serving God when my requests remain unanswered? Others who do not do half of what I do have results to show for it.
Luke 1:7 KJV And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.
This was the ordeal of Zechariah, the priest. A servant of God who gave his all to the kingdom, yet he had an unanswered prayer – he had no child of his own. He would appear regularly to attend to the needs of the people. They looked up to him, brought their issues to him and he would take it to God.
Sometimes, I wonder how he felt anytime he went to the temple. I wonder what his wife must have said a few times. I wonder what his friends or family members would have said to him. Some people would have mocked him, but that didn’t deter Zachariah. He always showed up when due. That was how he got God’s attention.
Perhaps you are feeling discouraged about an unanswered prayer in your life. Perhaps you feel like God has gone on leave. Like Zachariah, keep showing up, for you do not know your day of visitation when God will shift his attention on you.
God appeared to Zechariah at his duty post, doing what he was supposed to do. He did not allow his childlessness to keep him at home. He went about his duty as of before. The moment you start withdrawing from church, withdrawing from praying, withdrawing from studying the word, withdrawing from the believers, the devil is happy because that is what he wants – he has your attention already.
Luke 1:8-9 KJV And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.
Just like his lot was to burn incense, your lot is to praise and worship God. Your lot is to maintain an atmosphere of thanksgiving. That is how to get God’s attention. You were created to serve him. Don’t do otherwise because you are ‘husbandless’ or ‘wifeless’ Don’t entertain offence. Don’t listen to the voice that says you’ve been serving God for a long time and have nothing to show for it. Don’t give up on God yet. God likes to come in at the ‘well-stricken’ point.
There is a level God desires His children to reach, which is a depth of understanding of the things of the Spirit. Growth is not optional; it is essential for where God is taking us.
Meanwhile, no one truly knows the strength within until they step out in faith. In Matthew 25:14-30, we read the parable of the master who entrusted his servants with different talents before going on a journey. He gave five, two, and one talent respectively, and according to their capacity.
The first two servants invested and multiplied what was given to them, while the third buried his talent out of fear. When the master returned, he was pleased with those who had expanded their capacity and entrusted them with even more. But the servant who did nothing lost the one that he had.
God gives according to our ability, but He expects growth. Spiritual capacity is not just for today; it is required for where God is leading us.
As believers, we are called to grow beyond spiritual infancy. 1 Peter 2:2 told us to desire the sincere milk of the Word so we may grow. However, we cannot stay on milk forever.
Hebrews 5:14 states that strong meat belongs to those who are mature, those who, through practice, have trained their senses to discern between good and evil.
The more capacity we build, the more responsibilities God can entrust to us. And the more responsibilities we carry, the greater the supply of power we receive (Luke 12:48).
Building spiritual capacity requires intentionality. It’s means stretching beyond our comfort zones and making room for more of God in our lives. Therefore, we must engage consistently with God’s Word, prayer, fasting, and obedience to divine instructions.
I urge us to increase our spiritual capacity today, positioning ourselves for greater assignments, deeper revelations, and a life of impact in God’s kingdom.
Does God celebrate because of us? Yes, I think He does.
You mean God will sing, dance, and rejoice over us? Yes, I think so. Why would I say that? Because His word says so!
Let’s dive!
Zep 3:17 (CEV) The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.
Wow! This will be exciting!
This is exciting because when this happens, I won’t have to pray for anything anymore! All I need to do is praise God because He will keep answering my prayers and doing a lot for me in accordance with His purpose for my life because He is thrilled about me!
Here is another scripture because every truth is established in the presence of two or more scriptures.
Psa 149:4 (CEV) The LORD is pleased with his people, and he gives victory to those who are humble.
The Lord can be pleased with His people! Isn’t that amazing?
If the Lord can be pleased, it means He can also be displeased!
So, what are those things that can displease God?
Pro 11:20 (MSG) GOD can’t stand deceivers, but oh how he relishes integrity.
Isn’t that clear enough?
Are there any other things that He dislikes? I need to know those so that I can avoid them.
Pro 6:16-19 (GW) There are six things that the LORD hates, even seven that are disgusting to him: [17] arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people, [18] a mind devising wicked plans, feet that are quick to do wrong, [19] a dishonest witness spitting out lies, and a person who spreads conflict among relatives.
So, we now know what displeases Him.
But what pleases Him? What will cause Him to rejoice over me? I need to know!
Jhn 15:8 (KJV) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Wow! That’s what excites God! Bearing fruit, reaching out to lives, discipling others, influencing those in your sphere of influence, and sharing the message of Jesus with people, helping them establish their faith.
So, make up your mind to start doing the exact things that make God happy and completely avoid the things that displease Him!
