You will see greater things than that

I started studying the book of John this morning.  I love how Jesus calls his disciples.  When Nathanael was asked to join the group by Philip he thought what good thing could ever come from Nazareth.   Then Jesus called him by name and Nathanael wondered how Jesus knew who he was and Jesus said I saw you under the tree.  Of course, that spooked Nathanael as it would any of us.  He believed Jesus because of this.  I love what Jesus says in John 1:50b.

You will see greater things than that.

It got me thinking if Jesus just meant that for them or will we see even greater things today?  I hear stories of miracles happening on the foreign mission field.  I've heard of legs growing back and even people raised from the dead.  I've heard the voice of God fairly regularly the last few years but don't know if I've seen the greater things.  Was it just for the disciples?  That doesn't appear to be so.  Because Jesus said it was for our benefit that he leaves.  He promised us the Holy Spirit.  Since God's Spirit lives in me then I should experience Greater things.

Only by prayer

Today I was studying in Mark 9.  The disciples had been sent out by Jesus on other occasions and had been able to do miracles and drive out demons.  Yet on this occasion when Jesus came back from His transfiguration the disciples were unable to drive out a demon from a boy.  The boy's father asked Jesus if He could.  Jesus said, " ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes."  (Mark 9:23 NIV )I wonder how many times I doubt what God can do even though I've seen Him do amazing things before me.  I love what the man said,  Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24 NIV).

Jesus removed the demon from the young boy and the disciples asked why they couldn't drive it out.  Jesus said, “This kind can come out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:29 NIV).  It got me to thinking about how much I really pray about everything?  I've tried to get better to pray throughout the day.  But am I missing out on things because I really didn't pray?  

Don't you remember?

How many times has Jesus bailed me out of situations?   I could tell so many stories.  Yet, when I get in a jam and don't think I can't get out what do I do?  Just like most of us, I worry.  Years ago, I started writing down the God moments or spiritual markers that Henry Blackaby describes.  Why?  Because I need to remind myself that God has always been there and he always will be. 

In Mark 8 Jesus wants to feed 4000 people because they had been with him for 3 days.  The disciples acted like most of us would and said where are we going to find enough food to feed that many people?  4000 only included the men so likely there were 12,000 people.  But don't they remember when Jesus fed the 5000 men (likely 15,000 people)?  Jesus got frustrated with the disciples and asked them in Mark 8:18 (NIV)  "don't you remember?"

I wonder how many times Jesus thinks that of me?  He takes care of me so often and I still worry the next time an insurmountable obstacle comes my way.  People often say that God doesn't give us more than we can handle.  I think that is a lie from the devil.  I think God gives us things we can't handle so we will depend on Him.  The devil wants us to rely on ourselves.  God wants us to rely on Him!

Nothing is impossible....but do I really believe it?

I was reading in Matthew 17 today and noticed a few things.  First, this is when Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James, and John.  Second, it turns out the disciples were unable to cast out a demon from a man.  The disciples tried but were unable to do so.  Jesus said it was because of their lack of faith.  He said if we have faith as small as a mustard seed we can move mountains.  I wonder sometimes if my faith is even that big.  I've seen God do some amazing things in my life.  But just like the story I read a few days ago about Peter walking with Jesus on the water, I wonder how big my faith really is?  Then Jesus finishes this chapter by telling Peter to go catch a fish and he would find a coin that was enough to pay all of their poll tax.  How did Jesus know the coin would be there?  Obviously, it was because He is the Son of God.  But if you really think about this miracle it is amazing.  How else would a coin show up in a fish unless God put it there?   It's not like a rich supporter came up and paid the tax.  God provided.  I realize just how small my faith really is.  I pray God will rock my world this week and that I will have the faith for Him to do so.  God hasn't stopped doing miracles, I've stopped believing in them.