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Introduction
John 14:12 “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Have you ever felt stuck in your spiritual walk, wondering if you are truly capable of fulfilling God’s plans for your life? Many believers struggle with self-doubt, limiting themselves spiritually because they focus on their own inadequacies rather than God’s power working through them. But let’s unpack the promise Jesus gave us in John 14:12 and discover how to break free from these limitations and step into the fullness of His power, miracles included.
What Does "Greater" Mean?
The word "greater" in this verse comes from the Greek word megas (μέγας), which doesn’t mean better in quality or superiority. Instead, it speaks to the extent and magnitude of the works we will accomplish through Christ. Jesus isn’t suggesting that we’ll surpass Him in power or holiness, but that as His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we will expand His ministry to reach the ends of the earth.
Imagine this: during Jesus' earthly ministry, His work was concentrated in a relatively small region. Yet, after His resurrection and ascension, the gospel spread across nations, languages, and generations. This is the "greater" Jesus spoke of, multiplying His impact through the collective efforts of His followers. After His resurrection, the gospel spread across nations, languages, and generations followed by signs and wonders. This is the "greater" Jesus spoke of; multiplying His impact through the collective efforts of His followers.
The Doubt of Knowing You Are Anointed
Why Do We Limit Ourselves Spiritually? Many of us hesitate to step into God’s calling because we feel unworthy, unprepared, or overwhelmed. One of the greatest spiritual limitations believers face is doubting their anointing. How often have you thought:
"Am I really chosen by God?"
"Do I have the Holy Spirit working in me?"
"Can God use someone like me?"
This doubt can paralyze believers, preventing them from stepping into their God-given calling. Yet scripture repeatedly reminds us of our anointing as children of God.
You Are Anointed
In 1 John 2:20, we are reassured: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” Every believer is anointed by God through the Holy Spirit. This anointing is not reserved for pastors, prophets, or leaders, it’s for anyone who believes in Christ.
God Has Chosen You
Isaiah 61:1 proclaims: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This verse, fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 4:18-19), extends to us as His followers. The same Spirit that was upon Jesus is now upon you, equipping you to fulfill His mission.
You Are Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 assures: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Your anointing is not a feeling, it’s a reality because the Holy Spirit resides in you. He empowers you to carry out the works of God.
You Are a Royal Priesthood
1 Peter 2:9 declares: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Being anointed means you are set apart for God’s purposes, and He has equipped you to proclaim His glory.
Miracles Should Follow
The ministry of Jesus was marked by miracles, signs, and wonders. Everywhere He went, the power of God was evident through healings, deliverances, and miraculous provisions. This was not meant to end with Him. Acts 2:22 says: “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”
Similarly, in Mark 16:17-18, Jesus promised: “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Why Are Miracles Essential?
They Glorify God: Miracles are not about showcasing human power but about pointing people to God. When the impossible happens, it reveals God’s glory and draws people closer to Him.
John 9:3: “But this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
They Confirm the Word of God: Miracles often validate the truth of the gospel. As seen in the early church, God used miracles to confirm His message.
Hebrews 2:4: “God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
They Demonstrate God's Compassion: Jesus’ miracles were often acts of compassion, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people.
Matthew 14:14: “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
Overcoming Doubt About Miracles
Many believers question whether miracles are for today or if they are capable of being vessels of God’s miraculous power. However, the Bible assures us that God’s power has not changed:
God’s Power Is Unchanging
Malachi 3:6: “I the Lord do not change.”
The same God who performed miracles in Jesus’ ministry works through His Spirit in us today.
The Anointing Dwells in You
1 John 2:27: “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things…”
Every believer carries the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11).
Faith Activates Miracles
Matthew 17:20: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Faith, even in small measure, opens the door for God’s miraculous power.
Partnering with the Holy Spirit
Jesus didn’t expect us to accomplish "greater works" on our own. He promised the Holy Spirit as our helper, guide, and source of power. Without the Holy Spirit, we are like a small stream struggling to make an impact. But when that stream flows into a mighty river, it gains strength and reach beyond what it could achieve alone.
The Holy Spirit amplifies our efforts, turning ordinary actions into extraordinary outcomes. This partnership enables us to:
Speak boldly where we were once timid.
Serve with endurance beyond our natural strength.
Love deeply even in challenging circumstances.
Share the gospel in ways that transform lives.
Heal the sick: Just as Peter and John healed the lame man in Acts 3.
Prophesy: Speaking God’s word with power to edify and direct His people.
Cast out demons: Delivering people from spiritual oppression as Jesus and His disciples did.
Perform wonders: Multiplying resources, calming storms, and meeting needs miraculously.
Practical Steps to Break Spiritual Limitations
Believe You Are Anointed
Trust the promises of scripture that affirm your anointing. Declare verses like 1 John 2:20 over your life when doubt arises.
Rely on the Holy Spirit
Stop trying to operate in your own strength. Invite the Holy Spirit to lead and empower you daily. Spend time in prayer and ask for His guidance.
Step Out in Faith
Don’t wait to feel "ready." Take the first step, trusting that God will provide what you need along the way. Remember, Moses doubted his ability to speak, but God gave him the words.
Overcome Fear with Truth
Combat lies of inadequacy with scripture. For example, declare Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Connect with Other Believers
Join a community that encourages and uplifts you. When we work together as the body of Christ, our impact multiplies.
Strengthen Your Faith
Spend time meditating on scriptures that affirm God’s power and promises. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
Step Out Boldly
Miracles often require action. Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14:29). Similarly, take a step of faith in obedience to God’s leading.
Pray Expectantly
Pray with the expectation that God will move. James 5:16 reminds us that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Cultivate Intimacy with the Holy Spirit
Miracles flow from a close relationship with God. The more time you spend with Him, the more you will see His power working in and through you.
Conclusion
What would your life look like if you stopped doubting your anointing and started trusting God’s work in you? Imagine the relationships you could heal, the lives you could touch, and the legacy you could leave for God’s kingdom.
Jesus has already equipped you with everything you need to break spiritual limitations. The Holy Spirit is in you, and you are anointed for a purpose. It’s time to stop holding back and start walking boldly in the "greater works" God has planned for you.
Miracles are not just for the extraordinary few, they are for all believers who trust in Jesus and partner with the Holy Spirit. Jesus set the example, and now He calls us to continue His work. Imagine what your life, family, and community would look like if you allowed God’s power to operate fully through you.
Will you embrace the truth of your anointing and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you into limitless possibilities? Will you allow God’s miraculous power to flow through your life?
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