Before the Great Work

Matthew 26:64
“Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

Jesus did many mighty works in His short three-year ministry. There are many works that people could argue were His greatest works. The healing of the sick, raising of the dead, feeding of the multitudes, teaching and preaching to the thousands, and many other great works could be considered some of His great works that He accomplished. However, the greatest work that Christ did was the work of Calvary. In this chapter, you find several things happened before Jesus performed His greatest work. The same things that happened to Jesus will happen to you before God does His greatest works through your life. Let me share with you seven things that will happen before God finishes His greatest work in your life.

First, great works must be preceded by prayer. Before Jesus went to Calvary, He spent at least three hours in prayer getting the Father’s mind and help. You will never see God do a great work through your life or ministry without you spending time in prayer. The greatest works of God have always been preceded by the prayers of God’s children who saw their need of His help and power. Never expect God to do great works through you if you are not willing to spend time with God in prayer.

Second, great works will face adversaries from within. Jesus had a Judas, and you will have your adversaries from within who will oppose God’s work in your life. You can’t expect God to work through you without opposition.

Third, great works will find others who are not as dedicated as you are to the work. Jesus asked the disciples to pray, but they slept while He prayed. The reason God is using you is because you are more dedicated to the work than are others. Moses saw this in his ministry, Jesus saw this with the disciples, and you will see it in your ministry. Don’t give up on those who are not as dedicated as you are because one day they may be just as dedicated.

Fourth, expect false accusations while you perform God’s works. Satan will use people to falsely accuse you of things that are not true, but you cannot let the false accusations be the tool to distract you or cause you to quit.

Fifth, realize that some will stop following you in the great work. Sadly, there are going to be those who leave you just like they left Christ, but you cannot let those who have left be the tool to discourage you to let up in God’s work. People are going to leave you, but you must continue to do God’s work even if you are left alone like Christ was left alone.

Sixth, you must always accept God’s will even if it disagrees with your will. What you want and what God wants might be different, but if you want God to do a great work through you, you must accept what He wants. God will is always the best.

Seventh, you must experience a crucifixion before you have a resurrection. Jesus had to die to see His greatest work accomplished, and you will have to die to yourself before God can use you. No person has been greatly used who hasn’t first died to self.

My friend, in God’s timing you will be rewarded for your obedience and faithfulness. Don’t give up before God finishes His work in you.