ONE IN A MILLION

June 2008

There are thousands of fish in the 25 foot deep pond near our home, but there’s an  infamously large bass that lurks untouched in the depths. People have seen him near the surface on occasion, so they know he’s there. Fisherman, eager to try their luck at catching the prey, have sat for long periods of time with just the right hook and lure in hopes that today they’ll be the one to reel him in.  I took my boys fishing just this weekend and within one hour my three-year-old caught seven and my other son snagged four. No large bass for us; small perch and sunlight fish were sufficient to keep them happy. Yet, I found myself looking out over the still dark waters and peering down into the depths with intensity. I wondered if the legendary and allusive bass would ever be seen on someone’s hook.

The Israelites had left Egypt with the promise of Canaan. All they had to do was obey Yahweh and believe that He would accomplish what He said that He would. Yet, looking out over the millions of Jews swimming in the grace and protection of Yahweh, you’d be hard pressed to find one whose faith was worth catching. A quick glance within the depths of the tent-lined camps would leave you disappointed. Finding the allusive members of the nation under Moses’ leadership who really believed God and fully expected the inheritance they’d been promised was a long shot. But there was one. In fact, there were two. And only two!

Hear that again: Of the two million people who’d left Egypt with the promise of Canaan only Joshua and Caleb actually believed God to give them what he’d promised.

That’s one in a million.

Why is it so hard to find believers who actually believe? It’s easy to attend church and listen to Christian radio, but do we really take God at His word, expect to see His power, walk in faith, and anticipate miracles with astounding supernatural results? I’ve decided that if there are only going to be a handful of Christians who really experience God then I want to be one of those few. You too?

Our spiritual inheritance is so rich and full. It abounds in more lavishness that we can wrap our minds around. I found that when I’ve try to compile thoughts on what my inheritance from God looks like, I leave things out that I either don’t know I have been promised or that I really don’t expect to experience in my life. Why don’t we make it a point to know what God has given us access to? Search the Scriptures friend and ask the Spirit to cause your heart’s eye to be open to really see what God wants you to experience in your every day living.

This is what Paul wanted for the believers at Ephesus. He prayed:

I’m asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He’s called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to His people.

I pray the same for you and I … that we’ll be one in a million. When He peers out over the waters of those swimming in His grace and love, I hope he’ll find people who are ready and willing to take Him at his word and fully engage in every little thing He has planned for us.

Special Assignment: I’m working on a new Bible study resource about our claiming our spiritual inheritance. As you learn what your inheritance entails, will you email me? I’d love to know what “Promised Land Living” looks like to you. Do you know anyone who is “one in a million”? These are radical believers who have an edgy faith that really enables them to experience God in their daily lives. What do you admire about them?

I can’t wait to hear what the Spirit is teaching you as you seek Him with your whole heart.

Sincerely,

Priscilla

info@goingbeyond.com