Positioned for a Miracle - Pro Tips from the Mother of Jesus

So many of us are in the position of needing a miracle of some sort or another.

Physical

Financial

Relational

I’d like to share with you about how to increase the likelihood of receiving your miracle from God & how to live a constantly miraculous lifestyle!

We can understand the attributes of God by looking at the way He created the world around us to work.

Romans 1:20 NKJV For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

Catching miracles is very similar to catching waves in the ocean.

We can either hope that a rogue miracle will overtake us by chance, or

We can position ourselves in the miracle impact zone!

In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s look at the way Mary positioned herself for one of the most important miracles of all time to come through her!

Luke 4:25-27 NKJV But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; 26 but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”

There were likely many virgins in Israel (I hope we could say that today regarding our young men and women who aren’t yet married) - but only 1 of them received the miracle of being the mother of the Savior of the World!

I believe that this was more than coincidence, but a result of good positioning on the part of Mary.

Luke 1:26-28 NKJV  Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

Luke 1:29-32 NKJV But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

Having Favor with God:

You can increase your level of favor with God!

Luke 2:52 NKJV And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Favor = Grace

Romans 5:20 NKJV Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

When there is much sin around us, the grace in and on us will abound!

Guys, this probably doesn’t mean to go running into strip clubs and expect the grace of God to show up!

But when we find ourselves surrounded by a corrupt and sinful society, God’s grace & favor are on us to live a Holy Life despite our environment.

We aren’t meant to be swept up & overtaken by sin, but to overcome sin through the grace of God (His Divine Ability & His impression upon our heart)

God’s Grace in us is directly proportional for the need for grace around us!

If you want to increase your level of favor - increase your level of NEED for Favor

The more we put ourselves in the position to NEED to trust God & rely upon Him the more He will show up!

Proverbs 3:5 NKJV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

Proverbs 3:5 NKJV Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

- “The eyes of the Lord!”

James 4:6 NKJV But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

God consistently heaped favor and grace & promotion on those who were not big in their own eyes - usually from the smallest family of the smallest tribe, etc.

Don’t Let Fear Stop You!

One of the greatest weapons of the enemy & therefore

One of the greatest enemies of God is FEAR

God is constantly trying to erase fear from our life.

It is impossible to be in fear and in faith simultaneously

Fear has paralyzed so many people into not serving God - the What If’s:

What if I tithe and then I don’t have enough...

What if I serve God with abandon and then I never get married

What if I say Yes to God and then it turns out badly for me. (no friends, no money, never “make it”)

What if I pray for the sick and they DON’T recover…or what if they get worse or die?

What if I give God my whole life and He doesn’t come through for me at the end.

There is always going to be the opportunity to fear -

How we respond to fear is EVERYTHING!

Daniel 11:32 NKJV Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.

Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31 NKJV

This is what Mary did:

Luke 1:37-38 NKJV For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Despite her fears - Mary said YES to God!

What is God asking/telling you to do?

Tell a friend about Jesus?

Be a bigger giver financially?

Give your time away?

Travel to uncomfortable places?

Get healthy (emotionally, physically, spiritually)?

Do something you have ZERO skill or qualification for?

Our yes has to be bigger than our fear!

Just One Thing:

Know your God & let your yes, to Him, be bigger than your fear!

Discussion Questions:

What songs hit you with a wave of nostalgia every time you hear them?

What is one thing that really impacted you from this sermon? Please explain & share a little bit.

Please read Proverbs 3:5 and share about some areas where you could trust the Lord more in order to position yourself for miracles.

What is at least 1 thing you feel/know God is calling you to do that fear is trying to stop you in? Please share how you will change your response to fear.