Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).
READ: Luke 24:49-53
Many years ago, when I was still struggling with paying my school fees, I met an elderly man who told me that one day, I will be going abroad as if I am going to our local market. Though I laughed it off, today I spend more time abroad than I spend in Nigeria. Every good prophecy that has been prophesied into your life shall come to pass in Jesus name.
Peter was another Bible character that experienced delays and trials before God’s great promise came to pass in his life. He encountered Jesus after a fruitless fishing outing. The Lord engaged his boat and after preaching, decided to say, ‘Thank you’. His thank you was a two boats –full catch of fishes (Luke 5:1-11). Astonished at this great catch, Peter fell down at the Master’s feet, acknowledged his sinful state and surrendered to Jesus. Thereafter, the Lord gave him a great promise:. ‘From now onwards, you will fish and catch men for God’s Kingdom’. This meant that he was going to be a great evangelist.
One, two, three years later, when confronted with the fact that he was one of Jesus’ disciples, he publicly denied knowing Him (Matt. 26:69-75). Eventually, the day of Pentecost came and the descent of the Holy Spirit completely changed Peter’s life forever. His sermons became so anointed that a single sermon raked in 3000 souls. Another sermon raked in 5000 souls. His third post-Pentecost sermon brought in a countless multitude. He won several souls in a matter of days! When the time of the fulfillment of God’s Word comes, things may happen in quick succession. What you could not achieve in years can be achieved in days or weeks. One lesson from this story is that there are key landmarks to the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives. Pray not to miss your landmarks as they are very vital to turning promises into reality. In the case of Peter, it was the advent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. If Peter had been missing in action, if he had gone back to his fishing business, he would not have received the power he needed to experience the Lord’s promise. For Abraham, it was hospitality. He received the heavenly visitors so well that a specific time for the fulfillment of a promise of 24 years was given. In your life, you will meet with vital landmarks connected to your destiny. Pray that the Lord will open your eyes to recognize them.
PRAYER POINT:
Lord, the grace to be sensitive to the landmarks of my turn-around; give to me today
Bible in One year: 1 Thess. 4-5
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