Mary Loudermilk offers ideas to help Christians move into the realm of greater things.
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12, NKJV).
For many of us, this past year held unusual challenges. We may have given a collective sigh of relief when it finally drew to a close, and we move forward into the new year with fresh hopes and dreams. But the year also taught us much. We learned to depend more on God. We value our time with each other more. We learned to distinguish between what is important and what we can let go. Although there were heartaches and challenges, many positive things happened as well.
Begin now to seek God for the greater things He has in store for you. We will do great things because we serve a great God. Click To TweetGod whispered the word greater into my spirit, and I’ve been pondering what that means.
God whispered the word greater into my spirit.
Be assured God will never diminish what He does for us. He promises to use us for greater things when we allow Him to work in us and through us.
How to Move into the Realm of Greater Things
But how do I move into that realm of greater things? I believe it starts with an attitude of humility and sacrifice. We cannot be self-serving or self-exalting. God has a custom-designed plan for each of us to be a light to our world. The Scripture verses below will help us in seeking His path to those greater things He desires to see us accomplish.
- Anything greater will always point others to Jesus. He must be exalted. We are merely the tool He uses to carry out His work on earth. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NKJV).
- Greater things come at a cost. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24, NKJV). Our path may not always be easy, but that doesn’t mean we are on the wrong path.
- Greater things require a willing heart. “With goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men” (Ephesians 6:7, NKJV). God’s army is all volunteer. We freely choose to do His work.
- Greater things require a servant’s heart. “He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.” (Luke 22:26, NKJV). Jesus demonstrated this throughout His ministry. We do not measure ourselves against others but strive to imitate Him.
- Preparation leads to greater things. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15, NKJV). Greater things do not “just happen.” We must first align our spirit with God’s and spend dedicated time with Him.
“[G]reater things” are not necessarily “big things.”
It is important to remember “greater things” are not necessarily “big things.” Much is accomplished for God quietly, even secretly. Do not feel intimidated and think you have little to offer. God recognizes even a cup of water offered in His name.
Begin now to seek God for the greater things He has in store for you. We will do great things because we serve a great God.
Making It Personal
Do you feel inadequate and intimidated by what you see others doing for God?
What are you willing to sacrifice to see greater things happen?
What steps can you take to prepare for greater service?
What new thing do you feel God is asking you to do?
Mary Loudermilk of Hazelwood, Missouri, thinks every day holds the opportunity to enjoy a new adventure, meet new people, and explore new places. Her greatest adventure is walking with God and discovering His plans for her life.
Resources and Links
A version of this content originally appeared in Reflections. To see more content or subscribe, visit Reflections.