Preparing For a Miracle | Herbert Cooper

Ephesians 3:20 says, God is able to do far more exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever ask, think, or imagine. 1. You have to have a need Mark 6:35–36 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” (NIV) 2. You have to put what you have in Jesus’ hand Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV) 4 Reasons People Don’t Put What They Have in Jesus’ Hands 2A. People don’t understand that God wants them to participate in the miracle 2B. People have more logic than faith Mark 6:37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” (NIV) Three Levels of Giving: 1. What can I afford? 2. What can I sacrifice? 3. What can I trust God to do through me? 2C. They overlook the God factor 2D. It’s hard to care for others when we are comfortable ourselves 3. God does miracles when we partner with him Mark 6:41-42 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, (NIV) 3 Principles on Partnering with God So You Can Experience Miracles 1. Partnering with God begins by giving God what you have 2. Partnering with God requires steps of faith and obedience 3. Partnering with Jesus produces more changed lives John 6:14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (NIV) When we partner with Jesus it changes lives. We see it every week at People’s Church!