God Always Says Yes: 7 Secrets of Receiving a Miracle

Sermon outline

Miracles come to believers who need them, know they qualify, speak faith words, obey God's instructions and expect big, because God's answer to His promises is always yes.

1. Use faith words and be specific

   In God's economy there are seasons, and hard seasons pass. God has given dominion of the earth to man, so our words cause God to act on our behalf. He learnt that praying over and over in an unintelligent way does not bring results; prayers must be specific, and faith words must be turned into pictures in the mind.

   Illustration: Don't just pray 'I want a husband, Lord'. Write down what kind of husband or wife you envisage, and God will answer because you are being specific.

   “Your words cause God to act on your behalf.”

   • Leviticus 26:4-9
   • Jeremiah 1:12
   • Luke 19:13
   • Matthew 18:19

2. 1. You must need a miracle before you have one

   Faith begins with desperation and reaching out; when you are indifferent, God will not bring it to you. Keep your eyes on the miracle you want, not on the people around you, and make a demand of God yourself. Like Bartimaeus, be specific and ask for what you want.

   Illustration: At a conference for 200 to 300 pastors, the Lord told him to sow a bundle of dollars. He waited for someone else to go first, then walked up alone and left the money on the stage. He also recalls being one of the only people in the early days who raised their hands to praise God.

   “God's looking for a reacher.”

   • Mark 10:46-52
   • Hebrews 11:6

3. 2. You must believe that you qualify for a miracle

   Leaving it all to 'if God wants to bless me' is ignorance. You qualify because you are a child of God whose name is engraved on His palm and whose hairs are numbered. You carry a new passport in the kingdom of God, a higher system than the kingdom of this world.

   Illustration: Your passport and identity document have been washed by the blood of Jesus; don't go by what the government has classified you as.

   “Your passport is washed by the blood of Jesus.”

   • Isaiah 49:16
   • Matthew 10:30
   • 1 Peter 2:9

4. 3. You must have confidence in God and His word

   Confidence is the breaker. God has His best for His children, just as parents love to give their children what they themselves could not afford. Know who you are, lift your consciousness above the damage apartheid did, and lean on the Word rather than on logic.

   Illustration: Cristiano Ronaldo saying that every time he takes the field he thinks he is the best, even though he works hard and knows there are other great players.

   “Don't lean on logic and reasoning. Lean on the word of God.”

5. 4. You need an intercessor

   Have a trusted prayer partner, such as a spouse, a brother or a friend, because when two agree it will be done. The devil is crafty, but God is in the midst of two or three who gather. God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, so raise your expectations and speak life, because the tongue steers your ship.

   Illustration: When the church began with 30 or 40 people in Constantia Park, Pastor Adrian played a worship CD, and when it stopped they still heard angels singing.

   “Raise your expectations. Ask for more. Trust God for more.”

   • Matthew 18:19
   • Ephesians 6:11
   • Matthew 18:20
   • Ephesians 3:20
   • James 3:4
   • Proverbs 18:21

6. 5. You must listen for a unique instruction that God will give you

   When God prompts you, do it even if it sounds illogical; obedience makes His voice stronger and the world's voice dimmer. Naaman dipped seven times and Israel marched round Jericho seven times. Seven speaks of fullness, completeness and divine fulfilment.

   Illustration: Soon after he was born again, as he started the car to go to church, the Lord told him to get out and run around the car seven times. He did, and God told him He was teaching him to be obedient.

   “It might sound illogical to you, but do it.”

   • 2 Kings 5:10
   • Joshua 6:3-4
   • Isaiah 11:2
   • Genesis 2:2

7. 6. You must have a miracle worker in your life

   Not everyone is a miracle worker. A pastor who can teach the Word and also work miracles can pull out the gifts and potential God has put in you. Remember and celebrate your past victories, and be grateful rather than moaning.

   Illustration: Some people's memories are as short as a school pencil sharpened down to a stub, and some suffer from a disease called 'moanies'.

   “It takes a man of God that can work miracles to pull it out of your life.”

8. 7. Have a high attitude and expectation

   Don't walk the Christian life with an indifferent 'this is my portion' attitude; use your mouth and your imagination to change your circumstances, including picturing unsaved family coming to church. God knew your destiny before you were formed, and His promises are all yes in Christ.

   Illustration: As a poor boy he nailed a tin plate onto a branch, sat on it and imagined himself driving a bus. He sold newspapers, packed Daily News trucks all night for three rand, and saved for two years to buy his first bicycle.

   “God does not charge you anything for using your imagination.”

   • Jeremiah 1:5
   • Hebrews 11:6
   • 2 Corinthians 1:20