Encountering God through the power of Desire

Excerpts of sermon delivered by Preacher Joseph Foray Snr of the Oforikrom Church of Christ(English Assembly), Kumasi, Ghana on Sunday, 1st July, 2012.

Text: Gen 32:24-28....And Jacob was left alone, and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint........and Jacob said, i will not let you go, except thou bless me. And he said what is thy name? And he said, Jacob.... And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. (KJV paraphrased)

Through the power of Desire, a man can change the course of his existence in this world, especially a desire that pleases God. The Bible  gives examples of persons such as Joseph, Daniel, Paul and Ruth who encounter with God turned their lives around. Their desire to do the will of God was crucial to their destinies.

Our destines are a function of our desires. What you don't desire, you don't deserve.Ruth's destiny was changed because of her desire to obey the God of Israel.

First century disciples in the upper room desired power and the]y received it on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2: 1-7

Elisha asked (desired) for a double portion of Elijah's anointing and received it. Elisha saw Elijah going up to heaven and took the mantle that fell from him. 2 Kings 2:12-15

Joshua stayed at the tabernacle and did not depart because he desired an  impartation from God. Exodus 33:11

David desired the anointing, power and glory of God over his life and God was with him through all his battles.

How desire is nurtured in the heart of a person

By being fed up with living in fear and anxiety.
A man desires the power of God when he is fed up with negative history and experiences in life.
Desire is born where a man is fed up with ordinary or normal existence.
Desire is born by establishing a longing for fasting and prayers.

What are the benefits of having Godly desires?

The ability to secure the attention of God. When a man is passionate for God, it is impossible for God to look away. The word says Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness sake, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

You have the opportunity to express intentions and expectations before God.
You have the opportunity to discover the requirement for power.

Godly desires connects you to the power of God. Supporting this point, the woman with the issue of blood comes to mind. "only if i can touch (desire) the helm of Jesus' garment, i will be made whole". Matthew 9: 20,21. The woman's desperate situation build up in her a strong desire and faith to receive healing from Jesus.

Desire gives you the grace to face the future. Jacob had the desire to turn his life around. " i will not let you go until you bless me" -said Jocob in Genesis 32:24-28

Publisher's note:
In order for a believer to reach his true potential in this world, he must be connected to his source (GOD). Having Godly desires puts a man ahead in life. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness, and his countenance is upon the upright.  Psalm 11:7.
God's desire is for his children to build up a close relationship with Him in order to show himself strong in our lives. Don't get lost in the affairs of this world. Make it a constant habit to continuously be in tuned with God your creator.