21st Sep 08 - In times like this

Speaker: Pastor Mike Wilhelm

Topic: ‘In times like this’

Texts: Ecclesiastes 3, II Kings 6: 24; 7

We all go through different times and seasons. Some of these are spiritual, others are physical. At the present time, we are faced with economic recessions, collapse of financial institutions and a fall in the standard of living.

In II Kings 6: 24-29, we are told the people of Samaria were confronted with a worse situation. There was a great famine such that some were forced to eat their children. But God’s response through Elisha regarding the situation was that their would be a total turnaround. Now the king’s captain did not believe this and so did not live to enjoy its fulfilment (II Kings 7). On the hand, the lepers who were outcasts and destitute partook of the abundance.

We are instructed to respond positively during times of hardship. A good example was David who despite his challenges declared God’s goodness.

Psalm 125; ¹ Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion , which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Psalm 123; ¹ I LIFT up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.

Anchors

·     Power of prayer: It changes situations. Eg Jabez prayed to God to bless him (I Chronicles 4:10)

·     Power of faith: All things are possible to him that believes (Mark 9:23)

·     Power of agreement: If two people agree about what they ask it shall be granted by God (Mark 18:19)

·     Power of sowing; we are to bring our tithes and offerings (Malachi 3: 8-10). We will reap in proportion to what we sow (II Corinthians 9:6)

·     Power of prophesy

·     Power of Decree: Elisha declared the Shunamite woman would conceive a son (II Kings 4: 16)

·     Power of anointing: Jesus went about doing good because of the anointing (Isaiah 61)