A long, long time ago in a period of transition God said to the Israelites “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV) Did they take God at His Word and live worry free? No, like us, they had a hard time just taking God at His Word.
Jesus said in Mark 9:23 “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Just trust Him? “Hey, that’s asking too much,” we reply. Jesus raises the stakes in John 14:13-14 (NIV) “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Will most Christians pick up the gauntlet on that? I don’t think so. Most fear that there is a hidden cost somewhere because this is an offer that none can afford to turn down.
Let’s go back to verse 12 where Jesus says that by faith in Him we will be enabled to do greater things than He did. “Greater than these!” Wow! Jesus overcame (this is publicly reported and recorded) temptation, attacks, rejection, misunderstanding, exhaustion, and such for three years during His public ministry and now tells me that I can do the same thing for a lifetime. God doesn’t need for us to be Miracle Workers and super stars, He has just provided a way for us to live victorious Christian lives. He has opened a reservoir of strength for us to make a difference in helping our families to be secure spiritually. He has given us the secret of living beyond the clutches of selfish materialism. He opens a pantry door of blessing so we can share with our neighbor.
Greater than these! We were not intended to barely get by on a meager spiritual subsistence. The resources of Heaven are ours. Daily! Accept them.
“God our Father, you sound just like God when you offer us such help
and power for our daily living. Forgive us for acting like beggars. Amen”
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