The Voice of Destiny

God's Stimulus Package

All the talk right now is about a stimulus package to jump start our economy, to change the atmosphere over America and bring better times that will benefit everyone. Most people have their attention on their bank account, stock portfolio and the security of their employment.

There were similar times during the early church. There was a famine in the land and Paul was encouraging the churches to receive an offering and bring it to Jerusalem. Paul commends those from Macedonia “that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” They gave beyond their own ability to bless others even in the time of need. Their eyes were not on what they possessed physically, but on what they possessed in Christ. They were acting in faith according to Matthew 6 by seeking the Kingdom of God first, knowing that He would provide all their needs according to His riches.

Peter also addresses the situation by releasing God’s stimulus package. It wasn’t money or food or any kind of government supply. It was the words spoken by the prophets and apostles reminding them of the promises of God! “…I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder, that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior.” (2 Peter 3:1,2)

People were depressed, they were in need of money to buy food, shelter and raiment, but he did not tell them to call their Senator or Congressman. There was no looking to man for help. He said, “Let me stimulate you, stir up your minds to remember what has been promised to you by God!” God’s stimulus plan is a prophet, apostle, preacher, a messenger from God (could be you) to speak the Word that has been promised! It is a word that has come from God, not Government! God is not a man that he should lie!

  My friend, let me stimulate you with these words, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise…” That promise contains provision, protection and His presence! Some may say the sky is falling, but you have the promise of the one who holds the sky and He will not forsake His Word. Now that is a stimulus package that is not tied to increased taxes or a guessing game as to whether it will work. God’s stimulus package always works for those who BELIEVE! I promise! It is in you and part of your destiny!

Gifted Hands

I am sure that many of you saw the made for Television Special Movie “Gifted Hands” about Dr. Ben Carson who is a neurosurgeon at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He just happens to be my sister-in-law’s neighbor so I was intrigued to watch the movie.

It is the story of a poor boy overcoming tremendous obstacles to become one of the elite in his field. He was the first to separate conjoined twins at the head by stopping their heart for an hour to keep them from bleeding out. It was a first ever attempt at trying such a risky technique. My purpose in writing is not to review the movie, but to draw from its inspiration a spiritual truth that many are ignorant of.

As a child Ben struggled as a student. His mother, who only had a third grade education, was constantly encouraging him to dream. That he could do anything and he could do it better than anyone else! The real truth was revealed when he felt that something was too difficult and his mother would say, “Ben everything you need is in here, (pointing to his head). See beyond what you see with your eyes. It is in you!” His greatest test came just moments before the hour lapsed when operating on the conjoined twins. In his mind he thought, “I am not going to make it.” At that moment his mother’s words came rushing into his mind and enabled him to push beyond what seemed impossible!

Some would say that I am embellishing the power of man and his abilities. The fact man has abilities in him that few learn to tap into. In participation with the power of God, man can do amazing things. Faith was a part of Ben’s upbringing and it was well documented that he relied on God for his strength. He also honed his own gifts through reading and study to become the elite surgeon that he is today. Man is not a blob of flesh that God moves upon to perform miracles at His beckoning. No! We were created in His image with a distinct purpose in mind. God implanted gifts and abilities in us for the purpose for which we were created. Unfortunately much of our original purpose and gifts are hidden because of the fallen nature of man. James refers to this truth in James 1:21, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” That implanted word is the word that was spoken by God to create you and it contains the very DNA of God that makes you who you are!

Yes, it is God and man mingled together that produces incredible feats that bring glory to Him. “Gifted Hands” is one example of a man looking deep within to find what God implanted from the foundation of the world. Your gift is in you. Dig deep beyond what you can see with your eyes and through faith in Christ you will discover that anything is possible!