15 in 5: He's Got This

John 16:33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ESV Supernatural opportunities are everywhere - you have to know how to recognize them. How many times have you experienced a supernatural opportunity or maybe the questions is, “Are you ready to experience supernatural opportunities?” Your view of God determines your view of life. Your view of life determines your view of God. If God is your reference point you can make sense of that which makes no sense. Hope is a key factor; it’s a desire for a certain thing to happen. Romans 8:24-25 states, “…Hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one hope for what he can see? If we hope for what we don’t see… with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” Vision does not mean that you know the specifics about what is going to happen next in your life. You must have hope that something good is near. Hope is knowing that you have a future and a purpose, a very bright one! When you are not standing firm on hope, others can see life draining you dry. Look at Michael Jordan, Nolan Ryan, Mary Lou Retton, Gabby Douglas, Peyton Manning, Jerry Rice… these athletes were faced with constant adversity but in order to reach greatness, they came through all their challenges with hope. Their tests became testimonies. Their mess getting to greatness became their message. T.D. Jakes, Joel Osteen… these great Christian leaders have each faced adversity but their faith and hope prevailed. Just like these All-Star athletes and leaders, when you get tempted to get down and things are not going your way, you need to tell yourself, “This may be hard. It may be taking a long time. But my hope is in the Lord, I know God is faithful. I will believe, knowing that my payday is on its way.” When life turns up the heat and gets difficult, that’s a sign that your time is near. Supernatural opportunities are right in front of you! God is the absolute ruler and controller over all His creation. Nothing happens in which He is not in control. That control manifests in two ways: (1) Direct Causation: He makes is happen (2) By allowing it to happen: He controls by saying, “That’s what I want to happen” or “That’s not what I want to happen, but I’ll let it happen so I can use it for what I want to happen!” God’s sovereignty says that things are in control even when they are out of your control. Ephesians 1:11 states: God does everything after the council of His own will. This, my friend, is the reason to always have hope. God’s always in control. He is the Creator, Controller and Sustainer of all things. Establish this as the governing principle of life. Believe, have hope and Be the One, We Are Church – Hope. Prayer Points: ·    Praise God for providing you with hope through Jesus ·    Pray that God will give you a vision for your future ·    Ask Him to help you understand that His plans are for good and not evil ·    Thank Him for every test and trial that makes you strong Don Gibson