Have you ever wished you could find the secret to achieving the impossible?
I remember reading a story about David Wilkerson, founder of the Teen Challenge Ministries. This happened when he worked with Kathryn Kuhlman in Pittsburgh. David wondered how Kathryn could keep going…and going. She would be on her feet for four hours praying before a service, and then another four hours during the service, and after that, she’d be gracious to guests. She worked hard. David asked Kathryn, “How do you do it? How can you keep going with seemingly endless energy.”
Kathryn shook her finger in David’s face and said: “David, in the Bible it says that the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead shall quicken my mortal body (Romans 8:11). David, if you can see it, you can have it.” She had discovered a secret that very few will ever understand. God made a promise, and if you can see it you can experience it.
You Must Envision God’s Promises.
I met Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho in 1980. At that time he had 50,000 church members in Seoul, South Korea. We all thought that was amazing, but he had a vision for 1 million members (which came to pass in 2020). Dr. Cho gave us an amazing word about the power of vision.
We actually can see things that others don’t (John 4:35), looking at those things which are not seen (2 Corinthians 4:18), and calling those things which be not as though they were (Romans 4:17).
These are all steps of faith…and without faith it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6), but with faith, we can move mountains (Matthew 21:21).
The picture above is not a picture of Mount Hope Church (where I had pastored for 30 years). It is an image of a three-dimensional model that I commissioned to be built before we ever laid the first brick for our 3000 seat Worship Center. We enclosed this finished model in a glass case so the congregation could see it. I was trying to put a vision into their hearts for what we would see in the future.
The artist put this model together in 1984. We needed a new facility. We were conducting five services every Sunday at our old facilities. Finally, little by little, the new building came out of the ground. When we dedicated it in 1987, there were only 200 seats left. We had to go to two services almost immediately when we moved into the new facility.
Many times, over the years, I remembered what Kathryn Kuhlman said to David Wilkerson: “If you can see it, you can have it.” If you can get a picture of something you want and you know it is promised in God’s Word, and you know it is God’s will for you, then SEE IT in your image center.
Prayerfully Imagine Your Ideal Scene In 10 Years (Dream with the Holy Spirit).
Start by thinking about what kind of person you really want to be in 10 years, and the type of lifestyle you want to live. (You may also list some of your heroes and role models.)
Mark 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
What do you see ahead for your family, your church, your career? When you see a promise in God’s Word, see yourself as a recipient of that promise.
If You Can See It, You Can Have It!
Check out Creating Your New Reality; Miracle of Faith Goals, The Desires of Your Heart for further study.
Pastor Dave, thank you for another inspiring reading in this email. Your example is super. I am so thankful for Mount Hope Church and it’s many ministry outreaches. I am so thankful that the Lord directed me to that church on Mount Hope Avenue in the winter of 1954. Praise the Lord!
Many blessings and much love to you folks.
Great article! Thank you for always being an encouragement to dream and believe God for BIG things!
I am learning and I will put this in practice for my visions. Glory to God
Outstanding!!! I didn’t know that story Dave… But I do remember walking into the main auditorium while it was still under construction and being amazed at your vision… Through that I knew it would come to pass… I counted it one of Gods rich blessings in life to have been a part of the ministry and your leader ship. ❤️
Great word and needed reminder. Blessings to you and MaryJo.
Pastor Dave, Sorry that it has taken me so long in reading this but I did same it until today 6/14/2021. When I think back when we came to MHC sometime around June 1990 just to visit, we hadn’t lived here in MI to long yet. But then in August of 1990 we decided to join MHC. We went to the early service & then stayed for the second service, went forward at the end & we have never looked back. You have taught us so much through God’s word. We have learned how to be the Christians that the Lord called us to be. For about 20yrs we rode all over this country on our Goldwing & were able to witness to many other Bikers & pray with them. Strangers, Bikers, that took me out of my comfort zone BUT that is what the Lord asked of us, me. Now we own a large motorhome & travel all over & pray for & witness to other campers. We prayed for our motorcycle & got it then sold it for what we asked for. Then we prayed for our motorhome & got it for a great deal. No matter where we go or what we do God always leads us to people to talk to & pray for. Thank you Pastor Dave & MaryJo, Love Ya & Miss Ya. Love Pastor Kevin & Renee now also. They are awesome.