Great Things for God

What might God do if you stopped putting limits on Him? William Carey’s challenge from 1792 still stands: “expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”

“Enlarge the place of your tent … do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread abroad … And your offspring will possess the nations and will people the desolate cities” (Isaiah 54:2–3).

“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” This was the core message William Carey delivered in a powerful sermon he preached in May 1792.

Carey, who was born on this date in 1761, made a decisive commitment to follow Christ when he was 17 years old. His commitment to serve God led to a call to the mission field, and he went on to be considered the “father of modern missions.”

The message he preached that day in 1792 explains much about his vision, his commitment, and the reason his life had such impact. He realized that Christians often are filled with doubt and disbelief, causing them to place limits on what they allow God to do in their lives.

Carey’s message led to the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society. Carey himself felt the call to missions and left on what became a lifelong assignment in India. During his years there, he tirelessly worked to spread the Gospel.

Carey supervised six complete and 24 partial Bible translations. He literally changed the course of nations—all because he dared to expect great things from God and attempt great things for Him.

God is seeking people who share the same commitment that stirred Carey—people who rely on His promises and take bold action. Don’t try to limit God. Take Him at His word and believe Him to do great things in your life!

Reflection Question: What message has impacted your life and caused you to take action?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was William Carey?

William Carey (born 1761) is often called the “father of modern missions.” His 1792 sermon—“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God”—helped launch the modern missionary movement, and he supervised numerous Bible translations during his lifelong work in India.

What does Isaiah 54:2–3 mean?

The verse calls God’s people to “enlarge” their tent and not hold back, picturing expansion and increase. It encourages bold faith—expecting God to do great things and making room for Him to work.