Blessings Beyond Our Comprehension
God overanswers our prayers, giving us blessings and gifts that are far beyond what we could have imagined or asked for.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that while the church often proclaims 'God answers prayer,' the deeper truth is that 'God overanswers prayer.' He illustrates this through the example of Israel, who, despite their backsliding, returned to God with a simple plea for mercy. In response, God not only forgave them but also promised abundant blessings and revival, demonstrating His overwhelming grace. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize how God has similarly overanswered their prayers, providing them with a deeper relationship with Jesus and a vibrant spiritual life.
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One of the most often-heard phrases in the church is, "God answers prayer!" Yet that is only half the truth. The whole truth is, "God overanswers prayer!"
Take the children of Israel, for example. Essentially, Hosea prophesied to Israel, "You're backslidden but you're still God's people. Now, return to the Lord and pray."
"Take words with you, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, 'Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously'" (Hosea 14:2). Their prayer was simple; all Israel asked God to do was have mercy on them. God responded, "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall grow like the lily, and lengthen his roots like Lebanon. His branches shall spread; his beauty shall be like an olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon" (Hosea 14:4-6).
The dew of heaven is the presence of the Lord. Up to this point, there had been drought; everything was dying because God's favor had been taken away. But now, because of true repentance and a heartfelt prayer, God said he would cause life to spring up on all sides. Israel would not only be forgiven, but revived. They would grow, become well-rooted, spread out and thrive. All they asked for was mercy, forgiveness and acceptance. But God opened the windows of heaven and poured on them blessings they dared not even hope for. God largely over-answered their prayer!
Beloved, God has done the same for you. When you repented, all you asked for from God was a clean heart, forgiveness and peace. Yet look at how he has answered you. He gave you a hungering heart and a thirst for more of Jesus. He gave you eyes to see, ears to hear, and a love for him and his people.
Jesus has become your morning dew and he waters your soul daily with his Word. You are growing -- not dead or dying -- and are very much alive in him. Hallelujah!
Sermon Outline
- God's Answer to Prayer
- God overanswers prayer
- Examples in Scripture
Key Quotes
“God overanswers prayer!” — David Wilkerson
“God largely over-answered their prayer!” — David Wilkerson
“Jesus has become your morning dew and he waters your soul daily with his Word.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should have faith that God will overanswer our prayers, giving us blessings and gifts that we did not even ask for.
- We should repent and pray to God, seeking his presence and mercy.
- We should trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, knowing that he will bring life and revival to those who seek him.