YOU ARE A WONDER

Title: YOU ARE A WONDER

Main Text: Psalm 71:7 - "I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge."

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION:
The life of a believer is meant to be a testament to the power, grace, and goodness of God. Psalm 71:7 speaks of becoming a "wonder to many." The psalmist recognizes that his life, filled with God's deliverance and sustenance, has become something extraordinary—a source of awe to those who see it. Today, we will explore what it means to be a wonder, why God makes us wonders, and how we can live in such a way that God's glory is revealed through our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WONDER

- Definition of a Wonder:
In biblical terms, a "wonder" is something extraordinary, miraculous, or a phenomenon that arouses awe. It is often something that defies natural explanation, pointing to divine involvement.
Something fantamaglorious, excellent-mighty

- Psalm 71:7 Context:*
The psalmist declares, "I have become as a wonder to many," acknowledging that his life is a testament to God's power and faithfulness. Despite his trials, God's intervention made his life a symbol of divine power.

- Your Life as a Wonder:
Just like the psalmist, you are called to be a wonder. Your existence, transformation, and testimonies are meant to point people to God's supernatural ability to save, deliver, and bless.

2. CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIFE THAT IS A WONDER

- A Life Marked by God's Favour: When God’s hand is upon you, you experience favour that sets you apart. Joseph, for example, was a wonder in Egypt. Even in prison, God’s favour made him rise to prominence (Genesis 39:21-23).

- Testimonies of Deliverance and Protection:
The psalmist experienced God’s deliverance repeatedly, which made his life a wonder. Psalm 34:19 says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

-   A Life of Radical Faith:
The Bible is filled with examples of those whose radical faith made them wonder. Abraham’s faith to leave his homeland (Hebrews 11:8), Moses’ faith to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 14:13-31), and Esther’s faith to risk her life (Esther 4:16) all made them wonder to their generation.

3. REASONS GOD MAKES YOU A WONDER

- To Display His Glory:
Your life as a wonder is meant to showcase God’s glory to the world. Isaiah 60:1-3 encourages us to arise and shine because the glory of the Lord is upon us.

- To Draw Others to Him:
When God does wonders in your life, it serves as a testimony to draw others to Him. In John 4:39, the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus made her a wonder, leading many in her city to believe in Him.

- To Confound the Wise:
God often uses the unlikely and unexpected to confound the wise and powerful of this world. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 says, "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise."

4. EXAMPLES OF BIBLICAL FIGURES WHO WERE WONDERS

- Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6):
Daniel’s deliverance from the lions’ den made him a wonder. His life demonstrated God’s power to protect and deliver those who trust in Him.

- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3):
These three young men became wonders when they were thrown into the fiery furnace but emerged unharmed, demonstrating God’s ability to protect His faithful ones.

- Jesus Christ (Matthew 8:27): Jesus calmed the storm, healed the sick, and raised the dead. His life was a continuous display of wonders, showing us that God desires us to walk in His power.

5. HOW TO LIVE AS A WONDER IN YOUR GENERATION

- Maintain a Strong Relationship with God:
A close walk with God is the foundation of a life that is a wonder. Like the psalmist said, "You are my strong refuge." Stay rooted in prayer, worship, and the Word.

-  Cultivate a Heart of Faith and Trust:
Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him." To live as a wonder, you must believe that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

- Be Obedient to God’s Instructions:
Obedience to God's Word positions you to experience His wonders. The widow of Zarephath obeyed Elijah's instruction, and God provided for her miraculously (1 Kings 17:13-16).

-  Stand Firm in Trials:
The psalmist’s life became a wonder because he trusted God through trials. James 1:2-4 encourages us to count it all joy when we face various trials because they produce perseverance, making us complete and lacking nothing.

CONCLUSION:
God has called you to be a wonder in this generation. When you walk in faith, obedience, and a close relationship with God, your life becomes a living testimony of His power and grace. Just like the psalmist, you can boldly declare that you are a wonder to many because God is your strong refuge. Let your life reflect His glory, draw others to Him, and confound those who do not know Him.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Prayer for Divine Manifestation: "Lord, manifest Your power in my life. Make my life a wonder to my generation, that many will see Your glory through me."

2. Prayer for Strength and Faith: "Father, strengthen my faith to trust You in every circumstance. Help me to believe that You can do the impossible in my life."

3. Prayer for God's Favour:
"Oh Lord, surround me with Your favour like a shield. Let Your favour distinguish me and make me a wonder in every area of my life."

4.  Prayer for Divine Protection: "Lord, protect me from every attack of the enemy. Just as You delivered Daniel from the lions' den, deliver me from every trap set by the enemy."

5.  Prayer for Obedience:
Father, give me a heart of obedience to follow Your instructions. Let my obedience bring about supernatural breakthroughs and wonders in my life."

6. Prayer for Spiritual Growth:
"Lord, deepen my relationship with You. Help me to grow in prayer, worship, and understanding of Your Word, so that I may reflect Your glory."

7. Prayer for Breakthroughs: "Heavenly Father, I declare breakthroughs in every area where there has been stagnation. Let Your wonders be evident in my life, family, career, and ministry."

8.  Prayer for Boldness:
"Lord, grant me the boldness to stand for You in difficult situations. Let my faith be unshakable, and my life be a testimony of Your wonders."

9. Prayer for Testimonies:
"Oh Lord, fill my mouth with testimonies of Your goodness and faithfulness. Let my life be a story of Your wonders, drawing others to You."

10. Prayer for Humility and Grace: "Father, keep me humble as You make me a wonder. Let my life reflect Your grace and point others to You as the source of every miracle."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that I am a wonder to my generation: "By the power of the Holy Spirit, my life shall be a living testimony of God's miraculous power and grace."

2. I declare divine favour surrounds me: "God's favour will distinguish me wherever I go, and I will experience uncommon breakthroughs."

3. I declare protection over my life: "No weapon formed against me shall prosper. I am shielded by the hand of the Almighty, just like Daniel in the lions' den."

4. I declare that I walk in supernatural strength: "I will not grow weary or faint. The Lord is my strength and my refuge in every situation."

5. I declare breakthroughs in every area of my life: "Every closed door is opened, and every mountain is moved by the power of God. I will testify of God's wonders."

6. I declare that I will fulfil my divine purpose: "God's plan for my life will not be thwarted. I will rise and shine for God's glory is upon me."

7. I declare that I am a vessel of honour: "My life will be a reflection of God's holiness, purity, and power. I will live a life of obedience and righteousness."

8. I declare boldness and courage over my life: "I will not be intimidated by any situation. The Spirit of God empowers me to speak and act with courage."

9. I declare that my life will draw many to Christ: "As a living wonder, my testimonies will cause many to seek and find the Lord."

10. I declare that I am blessed and highly favoured: "I walk in the fullness of God's blessings, and His wonders shall be evident in my life daily."