Key Scripture: Matthew 9:37–38, 10:1

Empower Meaning: To give authority, ability/capacity or strength

Recurrent Thought.

As the Lord of the harvest, God desires to help us in the harvest field. He gives us power to ensure we bring in a bountiful harvest. He has not left us to go at it ALONE and helpless! He is not in the business of asking us to do something without giving us the ability to do it!

Phil 2:13 (NLT, NKJV)
As Jesus responded to the need of more labourers and sends out the disciples, he sends them with power and authority (Matthew 10:1). Their ministries, among other things, would require an empowerment. It is not cunning or lofty speech that would make them successful in the harvest, but God's ability.
Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. His ability as a harvester of souls, whose prime example the Corinthians were, was from God!

In this sermon, we will talk about how God empowers us for harvest; both of souls and individual/personal harvest. It is important to note that God is not only interested in our pursuit of kingdom harvest- he is also interested, in our personal harvest. His power is at our disposable in our careers, academics and different areas of life!

(1) Prayer makes tremendous power available to the harvester.
We note that the sending of the labourers with power was a response to Prayer. (Matthew 9:38).

1. Prayer is one of the ways we receive power/abilities as believers. (James 5:16 TPT).
   “The story of every great Christian achievement is the history of answered prayer”. E.M Bounds
   The secret of success in Christ’s Kingdom is the ability to pray”- E.M Bounds
2. But it is not just that we are praying but we are praying fervently, whole-heartedly! God responds to hearts not speech! It is a contrite and broken heart that God hears. (Psalm 51:17)
3. The bible further says, men ought always to pray (Luke 18:1-2). When we feel like it or not.

(2) The Holy Spirit empowers the harvester

In Acts 1:8 we are taught that Power is also released when the Holy Spirit comes! Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus [Ephesians 3:16] recognises that power/strength come by God’s spirit. Harvest is empowered by the spirit of God. /

In Matthew 10:18-20, when the disciples were sent out, Jesus told them, as they go about their work to take note that the holy spirit will be with them and giving them words to say! They would never be alone, nor rely on their own ability or competency! It was vital, therefore, as Jesus sent them out into the whole world that they receive the fullness of the holy spirit. Their ministry pursuits, were placed on 'hold' until the Holy ghost came [Acts 1:4-5]. It is the Holy Spirit that brings the power for harvest. Pharaoh of Egypt looked for a man in whom the spirit of God was [Genesis 41:38] to be placed in-charge of the affairs of a nation!

Importantly is the need to walk in step with the spirit of God! Following his every step, every prompting.  

Conclusion

God did not send us to the field alone.

He walks with us. Through prayer we engage him to know his will, and his spirit empowers us, and gives us clarity and tenacity to bring in the harvest!

Prayer

• Pray that those that have grown weary, will be empowered and strengthened by God! [Ephesians 3:16]