October 9, Unto Him Who is able!

Now unto Him Who is able. Ephesians 3:20

We are reminded by the Apostle Paul that it is "unto Him", Christ Jesus our Lord, who has the power to do even more than we could ever imagine or think.  

"Now to him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)

William Carey once stated, “attempt great things for God, expect great things from God." He is able indeed. So, how is your expectation of God’s work?  

This does not indicate that one can dictate to God what one desires, but rather references the measure of faith that matches the capability of God’s power.  When you and I develop a divine expectation, we are freed from shallow praying, superficial statements of faith, and guarded mission endeavors.  We need to develop a divine expectation of all that God can do, and then pray and serve accordingly.  

God loves to use average people like you and me.  God called Esther to use her position and influence to save her people.  Mordecai reminded Esther, "you are made for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). God declared Peter a spiritual rock even while he was immature in his faith.  

Yet, many times we tend to disqualify ourselves from God’s service simply because we see our own limitations. Moses said, “I am not eloquent,” and Jeremiah said, “I’m too young.”  Sometimes, we take upon ourselves such a persona and conclude, “I can’t; impossible; no way.”  But while we conclude, "I can't," we must passionately resolve, "He is able," and then we must learn to expect great things from God. 

Consider that if we attempt those things we are confident we can do and have the resources to accomplish, then at the end of the day the temptation would be to point to our personal accomplishments rather than to the power of God.  But, if we desire a glory-giving ministry instead of a glory-seeking ministry, we must develop a divine expectation wherein we become excited about what God can do, and thus obey His calling even when facing something we cannot do within ourselves.

Paul furthered his confident expectation in God by living “according to His power that is at work within us."  This reminds us to center upon the redeeming work of Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the promise that God will equip us.  Kevin Myers observes, 

“God does not loan you His power to fulfill your purpose; God gives you Himself to fulfill His purpose.” 

Philippians 4:13 declares,

            “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” 

I’m glad that when God said, “all things,” He meant, “ALL THINGS.”  And obviously, as the context of this verse indicates, “all things” references God’s will perfected in you and me.  God would never ultimately set you on a course to failure.  He sets you on a course to see His will fulfilled in your life.  He desires to do His good and perfect pleasure in you. And, from your life He is glorified. After all, our Lord Himself said, 

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify God who is in Heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16) 

What a grand reminder.  His light radiates from within in you, and the power of the Spirit of God abides within you.  Do not trust "yourself," but His power that is yours. He is able. And He will prove this in your life. So . . . 

Attempt great things for God; expect great things from God.

Blessings.