Something Greater: Finding Triumph Over Trials

The Christian life is an invitation to step into “something greater”—the unique plan and purpose God established before birth. This transition requires believers to move beyond relying on human perspective and embrace radical shifts in planning, thinking, and relationships. Drawing heavily on the biblical example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, the message emphasizes that obedience, alignment with God’s Word, and persistent faith are the non-negotiable keys to fulfilling one’s divine assignment.

1. Defining “Something Greater”: God’s Plan and Purpose

“Something greater” is not just a logo or a catchphrase, but the plan and purpose of Almighty God for your life. God had you in mind before He ever formed you and sent you into the earth with a specific purpose.

The Role of Mary: Obedience Over Doubt

Mary, the mother of Jesus, serves as the prime example of yielding to “something greater”. She was an unlikely candidate: a middle-class teenager facing potential scandal, yet she was chosen to carry out a great assignment.

• Favor and Perspective: When the angel Gabriel greeted her as “highly favored,” Mary was greatly troubled and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. This shows that God’s spiritual perspective on who He uses is often contradictory to man’s perspective.
• The Power of Obedience: Mary was highly favored because God found someone He could trust to hear, listen, and be obedient. When told the name of her son would be Jesus, she did not argue or suggest a different name (like “Bob” or “Joseph Jr.”) but listened obediently and carried out the assignment.
• The Mechanics of God’s Will: Mary did not express doubt when she asked, “How will this be?”. Instead, she sought the mechanics of God’s plan, asking how she could conceive a child as a virgin without violating God’s laws. The angel answered that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and the power of the Most High would overshadow her.

Nothing is Impossible

Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, was also having a child in her old age, having been called “barren” by others. The Word of the Lord for every believer facing seemingly impossible situations is: “nothing is impossible with God”. Mary’s final response was the key to receiving her destiny: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said”.

2. The Three Necessary Shifts for Breakthrough

When Mary received “something greater,” three major shifts occurred in her life; these shifts are required for every believer aligning with God’s will.

Shift 1: Change of Plans

God looks for people who will change their life to be a part of His plan, rather than expecting Him to change His plan to fit into theirs. Change is difficult, but God intends to revolutionize the believer’s life.

• God’s Unchanging Plans: The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, and the purposes of His heart last through all generations. God does not change His plan, but looks for those who will change to fit into it. This is why many are called and few are chosen—because few people actually change to be a part of God’s plan.
• Prosperity Defined by God: Jeremiah 29:11 is often misunderstood; when God declares plans to prosper you and give you a future, it does not mean automatic material wealth (“a nice house” or “a nice car”). It means God intends to break you out, break you through, and provide an “umbilical cord” of nutrients (El Shaddai, the God who is more than enough) to sustain you for the intended end He has determined.
• The Rift and the Shift: When God initiates a shift, a “rift” (a dividing of things) also occurs.

Shift 2: Paradigm Shift (Change in Thinking)

The second and arguably most important shift is changing one’s thinking, as thoughts drive life. God changes individuals by putting a dream and a vision in their heart, which is a God-inspired hope with no correlation to current external circumstances.

• Vision as Mental Force: Vision is the ability to foresee or perceive something not actually visible. It is a mental picture of the future that is forceful enough to mold the present. The speaker, for example, had to mentally envision herself married—clearing out her closet and getting a wedding dress—before meeting her husband, John.
• Revelation and Illumination: All revelation comes from illumination, which is like a photograph (Greek word photograph) pictured on the inside.
• The Battlefield is the Mind: The mind is the seat of all spiritual and carnal conflict. The enemy uses strongholds and conflicting thoughts (arrows) to battle the mind, causing the believer to forfeit the vision and doubt God. Believers must pray for the renewal of the mind to stand firm.

Shift 3: Change of Partner (Relational Alignment)

The third change is a change of partner or relationship alignment. God put Mary with Elizabeth for six months because Elizabeth understood Mary’s assignment, celebrated her, and was not jealous or envious.

• Unique Purpose: God aligns us with people who understand and celebrate the unique plan and purpose we carry, recognizing that everyone’s assignment works collectively to glorify God.

3. The Conflict Between the Spiritual and the Carnal Mind

Paul, in Romans 7:17-25, addresses the intense conflict between the natural/carnal man and the spiritual man striving for control of the mind.

• Sin Dwells Within: Paul taught that sin is still living in us (the sinful nature). He lamented: “The things I don’t want to do this is spiritual I’m unspiritual”. The only way to remain spiritual is to stay connected to the Word; without this daily washing and cleansing, sin remains crouching at the door.
• Good Core, Bad Behavior: Paul’s conclusion was: “I’m good but my behavior is bad”. At the core, the believer is good, made of God, and created in His image, but their behavior often conflicts with this identity.
• Rescue is Jesus: Paul cried out as a “wretched man,” trapped by the law of sin waging war against his mind, but concluded that rescue comes only through “our savior our lord Jesus Christ”. The essential remedy is to renew the mind by the Word of God.