The Only Way
Greater Works
(#233 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12)
Oh, if they only knew Abba. As they scorn and laugh at my calamity, their teeth set on edge. If they could only perceive the power being unleashed as they whisper in dark corners. They say of the tested ones, “They are losing their faith in God.” Your secret is safe with me Father. “For had they known, they would not have impaled the Master of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:8) They could not have predicted that my faith would only get stronger. They don’t understand that faith is a gift. If they could fathom a Creator who “has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), they would not mock as they do.
To those who scoff I say, “Will it be well when He searches you out? Or can you mock Him as one mocks a man?” (Job 13:9) They try so hard to destroy my testimony; they are single minded and determined. Yet, I rejoice Abba that my faith is Your Faith, Your strength, and it serves Your purpose. Though You slay me, yet will I trust You. (Job 13:15) And thus, my faith can never be lost and it can never be lessened. And even if it were as little as a mustard seed, it would move mountains and transform kingdoms (Matthew 17:20).
For Your people, Father, illuminate how faith strengthens. Insults, accusations, and vengeful lies are Your tools. Oh that they might understand these are the “tests” You speak of, the trials meant to draw one closer to You and increase their faith. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4) Pain draws Your chosen people to Your words and Your words increase faith. As it is written, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of the Mighty One.” (Romans 10:17)
Your pattern: testing, increased faith; test again, increase faith. A pattern that of itself condemns the gentile while strengthening the chosen. If your enemies knew that their hatred was transforming mere men into sons of the Most High, they would not have impaled the Master of glory. The wickedness has purpose; it is supernaturally positioned. It is perfect for Your plan. You have made it so Mighty Father. The very things that must be “overcome” are that which increase faith and build the Kingdom within. Towards all those who attempt to offend (within and without), it is said, “Love and Forgive!” The pattern is clear, so take heed to yourself. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent; shall you forgive?” And the apostles said to the Master, “Increase our faith.” (Luke 17:3-5)
We have the perfect example; “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) We sing of Him every week; we sing to Your beloved Son. How perfect is Your plan; how mysterious and lovely. If they ever found out, the accusers, would the hatred stop? If they knew You fashioned their hate into the tool that would produce perfected saints, would they change? Oh, that we would be transformed by your patterns of faith, Abba. What would the entire body of the Messiah look like who adhered to this beautiful plan of Yours? What could we then do upon the earth? Perhaps greater works!