I Am Power and Compassion
David Wilkerson emphasizes the dual nature of Christ as both powerful and compassionate, urging believers to trust in His ability to provide personal miracles in their lives.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus embodies both power and compassion, urging his disciples to recognize that Christ cares deeply about their needs beyond just miraculous healing. He addresses those feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, reminding them that God is not only capable of miracles but also intimately concerned with their struggles. Wilkerson challenges listeners to move from believing in past miracles to trusting in God's ability to perform personal miracles in their current situations. He encourages faith that allows individuals to rest in God's care, assuring them that He will intervene in His own time and way.
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"Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way" (Matthew 15:32).
I believe Christ was making a statement to his disciples here. He was saying, "I'm going to do more for the people than heal them. I'll make sure they have enough bread to eat. I'm concerned about everything that affects their lives. You have to see that I am more than just power. I am also compassion. If you see me only as a healer, a miracle worker, you will fear me. But if you also see me as compassionate, you're going to love and trust me."
I am writing this message for all who are on the brink of exhaustion, about to faint, overwhelmed by your present situation. You've been a faithful servant, feeding others, confident that God can do the impossible for his people. Yet you have some lingering doubts about his willingness to intervene in your struggle.
I wonder how many readers of this message have spoken words of faith and hope to others who are facing distressing, seemingly hopeless situations? You have urged them, "Hold on! The Lord is able. He is a miracle-working God, and his promises are true. So, don't lose hope, because he's going to answer your cry."
"Do you really believe in miracles?" That's the question the Holy Spirit asked of me. My answer was, "Yes, of course, Lord. I believe in every miracle I've read about in Scripture." Yet this answer is not good enough. The Lord's question to each one of us really is, "Do you believe I can work a miracle for you?" And not just one miracle, but a miracle for every crisis, every situation we face. We need more than Old Testament miracles, New Testament miracles, and by-gone miracles in history. We need up-to-date, personal miracles that are designed just for us and our situation.
Think of the one difficulty you're facing right now, your greatest need, your most troubling problem. You've prayed about it for so long. Do you really believe the Lord can and will work it out, in ways you can't conceive? That kind of faith commands the heart to quit fretting or asking questions. It tells you to rest in the Father's care, trusting him to do it all in his way and time.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding Christ's Compassion
- The Importance of Seeing Jesus as More than a Healer
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II
- Addressing Exhaustion and Doubt
- The Call to Hold on to Faith
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III
- The Question of Personal Miracles
- Believing in God's Intervention for Our Lives
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IV
- Trusting in God's Timing
- Resting in the Father's Care
Key Quotes
“I'm concerned about everything that affects their lives.” — David Wilkerson
“Do you really believe in miracles?” — David Wilkerson
“It tells you to rest in the Father's care, trusting him to do it all in his way and time.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Recognize that Jesus cares about every aspect of your life, not just your spiritual needs.
- Practice resting in God's timing and care, especially during challenging situations.
- Encourage others to hold on to faith, reminding them of God's ability to perform personal miracles.