CAN GOD? SERIES PART #3
TEXT: 1 Kings 17:1-24
CAN GOD REALLY YOUR NEED?
A common element that unites all of us,
we all have needs. What are we to do when needs arise? The
natural reaction is worry – Matthew 6:25-33. Should we try to
meet our own needs – simply, yes – when it’s within our power.
But in times when we have done everything we know to do –
exhausted every resource and are left with our own inability –
what do we do then?
·
Mark 11:22
·
When our needs arise, so do our doubts. Can God
really meet your needs? The answer: GOD CAN!
1.
THE MANY SIDE OF OUR NEEDS
a.
An Uncommon Service – vs.1-7 - Elijah’s need arose
out of obedience to God.
·
When you are doing what you’re supposed to be
doing – tithing, going to church, living right – still problems
come – why does that take us by surprise?
·
John 16:33
b.
An Uncontrolled Situation – vs.9-12 – Widow woman
was suffering because of the sin of Ahab. There are times like
that – this shouldn’t surprise us either.
·
Matthew 5:45
c.
An Untimely Sorrow – vs.17-18 – Troubles have a
way of overtaking us when aren’t expecting them.
2.
THE MANIFEST SUPPLY OF OUR GOD
·
Your need may have caught you off guard but not
God.
·
Romans 8:28
·
Since God knew about it, He has also made some
preparations for it. You see, your need is merely the evidence
of God’s supply for you in waiting.
a.
God’s Past Preparations – vs.3-4
·
“Cherith” means “cutting”
·
If all things really work together for my good,
then it stands to reason God has already taken all the steps
necessary to meet my need before it ever arises. It may seem
like the Lord isn’t moving and that He’s going to leave you, but
the truth is, God has already met your need – He will manifest
it in HIS OWN WAY and in HIS OWN TIME.
·
Your DUTY: be patient and faithful – When God
is silent, He’s NEVER still!
·
Psalm 84:11
·
Past provision clearly seen “salvation” –
Revelation 13:8
b.
God’s Present Supply – vs.6
·
God supplied Elijah – miraculous and ordinary
·
God has promised to meet your NEEDS –
Philippians 4:19
·
Matthew 6:33
c.
God’s Promise For Tomorrow – vs.14
·
The future is always uncertain – we never know
what kinds of needs may arise but we have the promise of the
Lord
·
Hebrews 13:5
·
Job 23:10
3.
THE MARVELOUS SECRET FOR GETTING YOUR NEEDS MET
a.
There Must Be Faith In The Will Of God – vs.3
·
The secret: Trusting that God knows what is
best for your life
b.
There Must Be Faith In The Ways Of God – vs.9
·
Being willing to submit to His will and ways
even when you don’t understand it.
c.
There Must Be Faith In The Work Of God –
vs.13-16
·
It must have been a real trial of faith for this widow
woman to make that great a sacrifice, but she placed her faith
in the Work of God.
·
Notice vs.13 – “go and do” vs.15 – “she went and did”
·
KEY: obey, be faithful
d.
There Must Be Faith In The Word Of God – vs.14
·
“For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says”
·
The woman had the promise of God to back up her faith.
·
The devil will LIE TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
·
God will never lie to you. Has God said that He would
look after you? YES!!!!!!!!
·
You can place your faith in the Word of God!
e.
There Must Be Faith In The Wonder Of God –
vs.17-24
·
First account of a resurrection in the Bible. Elijah
had never seen one, but he believed God could produce one by His
great power.
·
GREAT KEY: simply come to the place where you just
believe God is BIG enough to handle your problem.
CONCLUSION:
·
Ephesians 3:20
·
When we get beyond “God could and God might” we come
to the place where we become confident that “God can and God
will!”
·
Does the word “faith” sum up your life? It should! We
are to be a people of faith, Romans 1:17
CAN GOD REALLY SAVE YOUR LOVED ONES?
TEXT: LUKE 16:19-31
