YOU SHALL BE A WONDER

Sermon Title: YOU SHALL BE A WONDER

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 8:18 - "Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion."

INTRODUCTION:
God has called His people to be a display of His power, grace, and glory in the world. As believers, we are meant to live lives that reflect His miraculous works and wondrous deeds. Being a wonder means that our lives are living testimonies of God's supernatural interventions and favour. Today, we will explore what it means to be a wonder and how we can align ourselves to manifest God's wonders in our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WONDER

- Definition of a Wonder:
A wonder is something extraordinary and beyond the ordinary, something that causes people to marvel and acknowledge divine involvement.

- Biblical Example - Daniel:
In Daniel 6:27, God is referred to as the "living God," who "delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth." Daniel's deliverance from the lion's den was a wonder that led even a pagan king to declare God's greatness.

- You Are Called for Signs and Wonders:
As stated in Isaiah 8:18, believers are meant to be signs and wonders. When people see us, they should see the evidence of God's hand at work.

2.  CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIFE THAT IS A WONDER

-  A Life of Holiness and Obedience:
Living in alignment with God's Word is the foundation for becoming a wonder. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are called to be holy as God is holy. Our obedience to God opens the door for His wonders to manifest.

- Faith in God's Promises:
Hebrews 11 is filled with stories of people who became wonders through their faith. Hebrews 11:11, for example, speaks of Sarah, who received strength to conceive because she judged God faithful to His promise. When we stand firm on God's promises, we become wonders.

- Prayer and Fasting:
The early church was a community of wonders. Acts 2:42-47 reveals how their dedication to prayer, fellowship, and breaking of bread resulted in signs, wonders, and favour with all people. A prayerful life aligns us with the supernatural.

3. WALKING IN THE SUPERNATURAL

-  Expect the Supernatural:
As believers, we should expect God to move supernaturally in our lives. Mark 16:17-18 promises that signs will follow those who believe.

-  Depend on the Holy Spirit: Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the source of power that enables us to live as wonders.

- Boldly Declare God's Word:
Ezekiel 37:4-10 illustrates the power of declaring God's Word. When Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones, they came to life, becoming a mighty army. Our words, backed by faith, can bring about miraculous changes.

4. EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO BECAME WONDERS

-  Moses and the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31):
Moses became a wonder when God used him to part the Red Sea, leading Israel to safety while defeating their enemies.

- Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40):
Elijah became a wonder when he called down fire from heaven to prove that the Lord is God. His life demonstrated God's supremacy over false gods.

-  Jesus' Miracles (Matthew 8:23-27):
Jesus calmed the storm, healed the sick, and raised the dead, showing us that a life aligned with God is a life filled with wonders.

5. HOW TO POSITION YOURSELF TO BE A WONDER

-  Surrender to God's Will:
Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Surrendering to God's will allows His wonders to manifest in our lives.

- Cultivate a Lifestyle of Worship:
Worship invites God's presence, and where God's presence is, wonders happen. Paul and Silas, through their worship, saw prison doors open and chains broken (Acts 16:25-26).

- Walk in Love and Humility:
Love and humility attract God's favour.  In James 4:6, we are told that God gives grace to the humble. Humility positions us to be recipients of God’s wonders.

CONCLUSION:

God desires for each one of us to be a wonder—a living testimony of His power, grace, and might. As we live in obedience, walk in faith, pray fervently, and depend on the Holy Spirit, we will manifest His wonders in our lives. Today, God is calling you to step into that realm where your life becomes a sign and wonder to the world. Will you answer that call?

Prayer Points:
1. Pray for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a life of wonders.
2. Ask God to help you align with His will and walk in obedience to His Word.
3. Pray for boldness to declare God's promises and expect the miraculous in every situation.