“His divine power has given us everything we need for life a godly life…” (Eph. 3:20).
Power. Something humans have craved since the beginning of time. Physical strength, control, influence, resolve, money–all of these things represent power. Power is also seen in creation–wind, rain, fire, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes. The Marvel movies are not just a big hit with kids. Adults love them too. Why? Because everyone loves a superhero. Power captivates us.
Not everyone recognizes, however, the creator of all power. God alone is the source of power. He is not simply a superpower or super hero. His infinite power is altogether different. If we imagine the strongest person in the world and multiply by a million, it would still not be able to describe God’s power. Charles Spurgeon said, “The mightiest of men cannot add so much as a shadow of increased power to the Omnipotent One. He sits on no buttressed throne and leans on no assisting arm. His court is not maintained by His courtiers, nor does it borrow its splendor from His creatures. He is Himself the great central source and Originator of all power.”
This is the reason we call on an “Almighty God.” He is the supreme, preeminent power of the world. Jeremiah 33: 17-19 says, “‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you…O great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts, great in counsel and mighty in deed…'” God’s power created all things and sustains all things (Hebrews 1:3).
When we place our faith in Jesus many things occur in our soul. We have power on in the inside of us that we didn’t before. The power of sin’s condemnation is broken and we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Understanding the power of the Holy Spirit within us should give us tremendous confidence in our daily lives. We have power to fight against the temptation of sin. We have power to obey and walk in righteousness. We have power to forgive others when wronged. In addition, 2 Peter 1:3 tells us “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” Meditating on truths such as these, as Nancy reminded us last week, gives us strength and hope!
God’s omnipotence shows us nothing is impossible for Him. He has the power to do all things.
This past year the Lord allowed a circumstance that demonstrated God’s unspeakable power. Many years ago my dad was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease. The condition causes the lungs to become scarred and stiff, making it difficult to breathe and maintain enough oxygen into the bloodstream. When we first received the diagnosis we learned there was no treatment. We were told his lungs would continue to deteriorate and breathing would become increasingly challenging. A lung transplant was the only option for my dad to be able to breathe well again. It was a very sobering thought but we accepted the news and began praying.
Last May we got the call. A lung was available and dad was an excellent candidate. Just a few hours later my sisters, mom and uncle all sat in a waiting room while my dad received a life-saving gift. A healthy lung was transplanted into my dad’s body enabling him to breathe again.
It was and is a miracle.
Last week my dad went for his monthly pulmonary check up. His oxygen saturation measured 100%. 100 PERCENT. He tells everyone he feels better than he has in 10 years. To say he’s a new man is an understatement. He can play golf again, exercise, garden and run around with his grandkids. He has a new life and we praise the Lord.
The Lord has taught us many things through this situation. He has demonstrated his mercy, faithfulness, sovereignty and love. He has also demonstrated His power. We have seen firsthand the power of God’s healing and provision helping us understand He is the only One who could orchestrate and enable such a lifesaving event. While a new lung has extended his earthly life, my dad knows His eternal life is secure because He has received salvation in Jesus. So we rejoice in my dad’s healing and we also rest in knowing he has a future in heaven through the power of the cross.
Have you experienced God’s power of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ? Secondly, is there something in your life right now that you believe is too difficult for the Lord? Rest in God’s omnipotence and His ability to do “immeasurably more than all you could ask or even imagine according to His power that is at work” (Eph. 3:20).
~Courtney
P.S. Sacred Story has a library FULL of encouraging stories that are sure to speak hope into your life regardless of what you are facing. This story highlights how the Lord is both powerful and personal.
(Sacred Story has just started a new series Praise & Practice where we will explore God’s attributes combined with spiritual disciplines. We invite you join us by subscribing to the blog so you can follow along weekly. Look for “subscribe via email” on the homepage).
