Thanks again to
Allison Sylvester-Conliffe
for allowing me to post another one of her powerful articles.
God’s aim and purpose is always for
restoration of men to Himself. When he
does a miracle or a deliverance for example, it is not solely for the benefit
of the person being delivered, but for the greater good of ALL the masses, with
the purpose of glorifying Himself and His Kingdom.
The book of Acts records that the apostles were thrown
into prison by the high priest of the Sadducees, and God allowed it.
They came out of the prison, miraculously! The doors remained locked on their exit and they were not seen of the guards. Surely in the early morning they were seen preaching the gospel to those in the temple. Their miraculous escape was not only a marvel to the apostles themselves, but to the Sadducees and also the multitude in the temple who heard of the testimony. This act was done for the greater benefit of all.
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Miraculously released from prison |
Then the high
priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the
Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, And
laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors,
and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and
speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. - Acts 5:17-20
They came out of the prison, miraculously! The doors remained locked on their exit and they were not seen of the guards. Surely in the early morning they were seen preaching the gospel to those in the temple. Their miraculous escape was not only a marvel to the apostles themselves, but to the Sadducees and also the multitude in the temple who heard of the testimony. This act was done for the greater benefit of all.
Further in the Book of Acts we read that Aeneas
was laid up sick of the palsy for eight years.
His sickness prevailed until Peter came to him and healed him of his condition. Again, the greater miracle was that all the people of Lydda and Saron who saw him healed got saved. With one deliverance we see the Lord bringing a multitude to Himself.
Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. - Acts 9:32-35
His sickness prevailed until Peter came to him and healed him of his condition. Again, the greater miracle was that all the people of Lydda and Saron who saw him healed got saved. With one deliverance we see the Lord bringing a multitude to Himself.
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Peter raises Dorcas from the dead |
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named
Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and
charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those
days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her
in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa,
and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him,
imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they
brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping,
showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And
turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and
when she saw Peter she sat up. Then he gave her his
hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he
presented her alive. And it became known
throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
The greater miracle was that many in the region of Joppa believed on the Lord after hearing Dorcas’ testimony.
The Lord Jesus came to the earth and
ministered for three years. His death
and resurrection was for the benefit of the whole of mankind. His crucifixion and resurrection was purposed
for the salvation of whosoever believed on the name of Jesus.
Look at the woman at the well, when she met
with Jesus in John chapter 4. Her
deliverance was not for her benefit only.
As a result of this singular event God managed to bring almost the entire city of Samaria to Jesus. Again, the occurrence of one event, tailor made for the greater benefit of the multitude.
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She left her waterpot and told the whole city about Jesus |
And many of the
Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who
testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” So
when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He
stayed there two days. And many more believed
because of His own word. Then they said to the
woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have
heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the
world.” - John 4:39-42
As a result of this singular event God managed to bring almost the entire city of Samaria to Jesus. Again, the occurrence of one event, tailor made for the greater benefit of the multitude.
We can even see this in the Old Testament
when God was dealing with the rebellious Jews in the Book of Numbers 16. Even though the Israelites did not get it,
the death of Korah and all those who died with him, served as a testimony to
those who were witnesses, so as to bring the fear of God to them and to propel
their obedience to God’s Word. We may
view the incident as tragic, but it was an event to bring the greater good.
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Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and is promoted |
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Your test will bring about your testimony |
If, when you go through your wildernesses, you would persevere with the Lord, you will see the greater good of the testimony when you overcome the very situations. God does not allow bad events in your life because He wants to punish you or because He is evil. He has a greater purpose for your testimony.
During your trying state keep your focus on the Lord, knowing that His thoughts toward you are always good so as to bring you to an expected end - Jeremiah 29:11. Remember that God’s intent is always to draw men to Himself. That is why He sent His Son Jesus.
God’s purpose for your life goes beyond
what you can see at present. When He
delivers you, your testimony is designed to deliver others, but you must first be
an overcomer. You cannot free anyone if you are bound yourself, and to be an
overcomer you must have some things to overcome. This is God’s method and He will not change. The key is to stay in love with Jesus and keep
your focus on Him in worship with the knowledge that He is always right. In that place you will keep your peace and your
joy, and thus gain the strength to go the distance while the problems exist. In this way you will ultimately bring glory to
the God of the heavens and the earth as He continues to work in and through you.
Glory to His Holy Name!
This is so encouraging. We are going through major changes now. Love this - I'll claim it for me! "God’s purpose for your life goes beyond what you can see at present. "
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us over at THANKFUL THURSDAY today! ((blessings))
ReplyDeleteI needed this, and will re-read it many times. Thank you, Jesus.
ReplyDeletePraise God! This was written since 2008, but God has now released it to be posted......just for you and many others. Be blessed!
Delete"God’s purpose for your life goes beyond what you can see at present."
ReplyDeleteAn important truth to remember!
Blessings!
Thank you for such an inspiring post. Beautifully written. Oh, I just saw that this was originally written in 2008 and released to be posted......can I share that through this the Lord is still leading me in an exciting direction. Something I have always wanted, so I keep asking Him to "show me this is of your will, Lord, not mine". Thank you and blessings on your week.
ReplyDeleteGreat examples of God using evil for good. We don't always see his purpose when things are not going the way we think they should. If we look back on them, we can always see how this is true. At least that has been my experience.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte
Thank you so much for this encouragement and for linking up at Leaving A Legacy!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~
Shari