God-Given Burdens
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of character and faithfulness in realizing God-given dreams and burdens.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that true faith is not measured by the size of our ambitions but by our character and faithfulness in smaller matters. He challenges believers to reflect on their stewardship of what God has already entrusted to them, including their bodies and souls, which belong to Him. Wilkerson reminds us that before realizing our dreams, God often requires a process of stripping and breaking to prepare us for greater responsibilities. He encourages us to bring our faith to God, who will then reveal a true vision for our lives.
Text
Have you been challenged to step out in a new direction that demands supernatural faith? Do you need God to work a miracle in your life so that you can realize your dream?
In God's eyes, true faith has nothing to do with the size of a work you aim to accomplish. Rather, it has to do with the focus and direction of your life. You see, God isn't as concerned with your grand vision as he is with who you are becoming. Indeed, no work, regardless of how great, is of any value to the Lord unless the lesser, hidden matters of faith are being done.
"If you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?" (Luke 16:12). Jesus is saying to his disciples, "You say you want a revelation, something to enable you to do greater things. Yet, how can you be entrusted with that kind of faith if you're not reliable with the things others have given you?"
Jesus' words must have left his disciples scratching their heads. The Master knew they didn't own anything and they had forsaken all to be his disciples. So what does Jesus mean when he says, "that which is another man's" (16:12)? He is speaking of our bodies and souls, which he purchased with his own blood. "You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Jesus is telling us, "Your body doesn't belong to you anymore, and if you don't take care of that body -- if you don't allow me to look inside you, deal with your sin, and sanctify you -- how can you expect me to entrust you with something greater? I want you to step back and look at what you've done with the things I have already given to you."
I thank the Lord for heaven-sent visions and God-given burdens. Yet, many burdened believers don't realize that before a dream can be brought to pass, God often does years of stripping and breaking. Jesus wants us to just bring our faith, he will bring about a true vision.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Understanding the nature of true faith
- The importance of focus and direction in life
- God's concern for our character over our accomplishments
-
II
- The significance of being faithful in small matters
- Jesus' teaching on stewardship of our bodies and souls
- The relationship between faithfulness and greater responsibilities
-
III
- The process of God preparing us for our dreams
- The role of stripping and breaking in spiritual growth
- Trusting God to provide true visions and burdens
Key Quotes
“If you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?” — David Wilkerson
“You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” — David Wilkerson
“Before a dream can be brought to pass, God often does years of stripping and breaking.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on your current responsibilities and seek to be faithful in them.
- Allow God to work in your life by surrendering areas that need His healing and sanctification.
- Trust that God will reveal His vision for your life as you remain faithful in the small things.