One of the most frequent questions that I have received from Christians from all over the world in three decades of ministry is, “How can I do great things for God?” I like to tell these people to make seeking God their number one priority in life, and to get to know Him intimately. I sometimes share with them Daniel 11:32 (NKJV): “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” With regard to this verse, Charles Spurgeon was quoted as saying, “Every believer understands that to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge; and this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to the Christian.” It is this supernatural strength that enables us to perform “exploits” – things done in the power of the Holy Spirit that we could never do in our own strength or ability.

One of the best examples of these biblical principles is my son, John. As a youth, he made seeking God his number one priority. John understood that just attending church or knowing theology was not sufficient in nurturing an intimate relationship with God. He knew that it would involve personal prayer, studying Scripture, and a daily dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

Exactly 30 years ago this month, God led John to launch his own Christian Music website and ministry, Jesusfreakhideout.com. At the young age of 16, John had it in his heart to convince as many people as possible – especially his peers – to turn away from ungodly secular music, and to begin listening to music that honored the Lord. As God blessed my son’s efforts, hundreds of people began visiting his site on a daily basis. Hundreds turned into thousands, and today, Jesusfreakhideout.com has reached literally millions of people all around the world.

What few people know is how many times my son wanted to quit and give up on his ministry during the last 30 years. Often, the resistance against him and his work for the Lord was brutal, in both spiritual and practical terms. If John had not been seeking God and His strength on a regular basis, he never could have maintained one of the first and largest Christian Music websites in the world for three decades.

We won’t all touch millions of lives for Christ while we are here on this earth, but all of us can do great exploits for God in our own sphere of influence – IF we will give Him first place in our life, and seek to know Him intimately!

Prayer: Lord, I ask that You work in my heart so that above all else, I will seek to know You intimately, and make You my highest priority. Teach me how to persevere in prayer and Scripture study, and to depend on the leadership of Your Holy Spirit continually. Thank You that as I rely on Your guidance and strength each day, You will empower me to perform great exploits in Your name!