I heard about this lady whose church was in a building program. One Sunday the pastor announced that it was going to cost $2 million dollars to finish the building project. He was encouraging the congregation and challenged them to do their best. The pastor asked, “If God were to give you the funds to pay off this project, how many of you would do it?” He wasn’t putting pressure on them, but just trying to get them to open their minds to the possibility of giving. He said, “If God were to supernaturally provide, would you make a commitment to give?” This lady raised her hand, trusting in God. Several days later, she got a call from a friend who had just won a multimillion dollar settlement in a legal matter. The friend said, “I just feel like I’m supposed to give you $2 million dollars.” The lady was so excited and overjoyed. She said, “You are an answer to prayer! I know exactly what I’m going to do with the money. I’m going to give it to my church to help finish that building project.”
A few days later, the same friend called back. She said, “You know, I really feel like I’m supposed to give you personally $2 million dollars. So if you’re going to give those funds away, then I’m going to give you an additional $2 million for yourself.”
That’s the favor of God. When it was all said and done, the friend who gave got blessed, the the church was blessed, and the lady who was the conduit was bless.
It all started when this woman dared to believe God supernaturally. When the pastor said, “If God gave it to you, would you give it?” As an act of faith she said, “Lord, I believe and trust you as my source.” I know God is my source. He is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord my provider. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He owns the hills as well, He owns it all.” When you put your faith out there like that, it opens the door for God to show up and show out!
“so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Wow! tremendous faith, the GOD kind, supernaturally, I want and need more faith like as such! Not for the $$, for the ability to believe for and receive!
By: Ms. Geri Simon on May 11, 2010
at 12:09 am
Geri,
God has given to each of us a measure of faith according to Romans 12:3. This faith will increase as we hear the word of God. (Romans 10:17) Listening to the Word of God over and over again increases our faith. All we need to do what seem to be impossible is a grain or mustard seed size faith. (Matthew 12:20,21) As you live by faith (2 Cor. 5:7) you can and will do what may seem impossible to you now. Rely upon God’s Word and you will see supernatural things done in your life.
By: hbanks58 on May 11, 2010
at 10:27 pm
Greetings Pastor Banks,
I thank you very much for responding to my concern! I really appreciate your ministry I watch your ministry on TCT! I know that your church is a blessing to this community, a ‘model of the kingdom of GOD’s’ will for ‘all of his children’. I have a very serious concern.
I am a member of a very small church, and had been for about 4 years. Up until recently, I had begun to witness GOD’s blessings of ‘tremendous fruit of the spirit’ in my life, (love, joy, peace, longsuffering “faith”,etc). . Ironically, what has happened was that there was a group of ‘Prophets, Prophetesses, that was invited in to speak to our congregation. The unfortunate part is that now many of our members have gone away! The prophetesses, I believe used our church as a ground to do the work of the enemy, because she comes in and ‘rolls’ her eyes at many of the members(, she told me that in so many words that ‘she hated me’), including me who was at one time very active in choir, pastor asst., events, missionaries, and other offices. After her opening sermon, she spoke ‘and accused’ me about practicing witchcraft and all sorts of ‘untrue’ accusations. Since that time, my daughter is no longer interested in attending there? I have become so very depressed, because I believe that this woman has ‘designs’ on our pastor who is somewhat, evasive about her behavior,; and he thinks she is so important.? He has changed the locks on the church (I always had a key to take care of my work, which now have been re-assigned to other ‘newer members’!) I no longer have a supportive connection with him and I am out done that someone can ‘claim’ to be a woman minister and use GOD’s house of worship to platform her agenda? I think that she is the one practicing ‘sorcery’, because she doesn’t behave as a woman of ministry that understands Jesus and his commission. I need to likely leave my church, I have tried to do that, and my pastor has asked me to stay. I want for my daughter (she has stopped altogether) and I to have a place of worship, where I don’t feel emotionally abused and yet, I am dealing with the sadness of lost memberships, lost teacher (our Elder who taught Sunday School left) There is too many spirits running around professing they are Prophets and my pastor has ironically ‘adopted this woman’ as his ‘spiritual daughter’ and plans to give her an assignment this week. I’ve read the scripture that says, 1 Cor. 14:12 & Phil. 4:17. I think that this woman is against my interest in teaching and ministry. I need help, this is so complicated and so many problems at our church, that my pastor seems to have no clue anymore?
I know this may seem bizarre and it is, however, I am suffering in silence, because I do not feel as though I am growing anymore at this church. I don’t like running from church to church, but the pastor has not dealt with this woman about the abuse in her messages. I would appreciate your input, because I feel ‘crippled’ and desperately need to be restored!
GOD Bless You! I have been considering visiting your church, my daughter knows someone who is a member of your church, I just want to worship and serve my Lord and Savior and be blessed and a blessing!
By: Ms. Geri Simon on May 26, 2010
at 5:52 pm