Five Powerful Keys For 2011

Opening illustration: This is reputedly a true story of something that happened a few years ago at USC.

There was a professor of philosophy there who was a deeply committed atheist. His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God could not exist. His students were always afraid to argue with him because of his impeccable logic.

For 20 years he had taught this class and no one had ever had the courage to go against him. Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever really gone "against him" (you’ll see what I mean later). No one would go against him because he had a reputation.

At the end of every semester, on the last day, he would say to his class of 300 students, "If there’s anyone here who still believes in Jesus, stand up!" In 20 years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he was going to do next. He would say, "because anyone who does believe in God is a fool. If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from dropping to the ground and breaking.

Such a simple task to prove that he is God and yet he can’t do it." And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the class room and it would shatter into a hundred pieces. All of the students could do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students were convinced that God couldn’t exist. Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years, they had been too afraid to stand up.

Well, a few years ago, there was a freshman who happened to get enrolled in the class. He was a Christian and had heard the stories about this professor. He had to take the class because it was one of the required classes for his major. And he was afraid but for 3 months that semester he prayed every morning that he would have the courage to stand up no matter what the professor said or what the class thought. Nothing they said or did could ever shatter his faith, he hoped.

Finally the day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up." The professor and the class of 300 people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of classroom. The professor shouted, "You fool! If God existed he could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!" He proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleat of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away unbroken. The professor’s jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the young man then ran out of the lecture hall.

The young man who had stood up proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus for the next half hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he testified of God’s love for them and of His power through Jesus.

Yet to all who received HIM, to those who believed in HIS name, HE gave the right to become children of God-children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of GOD.’ ’But HE knows the way that I take. When HE has tested me, I will come forth as gold.’ (Job 23: 10)

Introduction: In Biblical numerology, numbers play a significant role, for example #6 is the number of man and #7 is used for God and completion. The #1 is associated for the only one God and #3 for the triune God. Likewise the #11 is associated with times of disorder and chaos. Those, who are walking with God, who are His children, have nothing to fear. God is in control and He will care for His children. Our God is a God of order and He will bring order in the midst of chaos. And where the Spirit of God is, there is no confusion. It is crucial; however, that you prepare yourself and begin listening to the direction and the instruction that God is giving you.

It is no longer OK to go with the flow and let life carry you where-ever the wind is blowing. God has filled you with the Holy Spirit and given you an anointing to know what is coming so that you can strategically prepare and plan for what is ahead.

It is time for the Body of Christ to wake up and start walking and moving in the Power of the Holy Spirit. There are 5 strategic keys that will help propel you into your future and the destiny God has for you this year. Ask Him for specific insight and direction for you and your life, and allow Him to manifest in these areas throughout 2011.