“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I WILL build my church” (Matthew 16:18).
Is it God’s will for this church to grow? This is a question that almost every minister has asked themselves at one point. It is understandable, and due to circumstances and life, even normal. Yet we can also say that almost without exception every minister wants to see the church grow, the Kingdom of God expand and their ministry produce results for heaven. But we must be careful. Why?
I say that because if we do not guard our spirits and minds the wrong attitude and outlook will get into our thinking and mindset. There are certain questions that we really should not entertain. We may walk through the valley of the shadow, we CANNOT camp there! Consider this, God has already declared His will for the Church and Kingdom to grow, further declaring NOTHING can stop it! “I will build my church” is what Jesus says (Matt. 16:18). Who are we to fight the will of God?
In order to NOT have revival we must fight three significant things – God’s will, God’s way and God’s want. Let our eyes be opened, let us read the scriptures anew. The love story of God to humanity in the Bible, the very incarnation and existence of Jesus Christ Himself, makes it clear that it is God’s will for souls to be saved. And the means by which God brings people into right relationship with Jesus Christ is through His church. God wants His Kingdom to grow.
It is for these reasons that we read scriptures that state “I will build my Church,” “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end,” and “The Lord…is not willing that any should perish” (Matt. 16:18; Isa. 9:7; 2 Pet. 3:9). We do not have to fight God for revival. God has already declared His will, way and want for us to have revival and growth. We simply need to step into the flow of God’s will, way and want. Who am I to fight against God?
Brian Norman is a full-time International Evangelist. His experience includes pastoring and planting churches in America and overseas. www.GlobalEvangelism.org Ph: (636)544-0627