Able

<<capable>>

The focus is not on our limited ability, but rather God’s omnipotence – His all-powerfulness to do whatever His will has decided (Act 4:27,28).

Before the three Hebrew men were thrown into the fire, the furious heathen king taunted, “What god will be able to rescue you from my hand” (Dan 3:15). They boldly declared, “The God we serve is able to deliver us, but if not we will not disobey His commands” (Dan 3:17). What a confession of commitment. Naturally it was an impossibility, yet in the purposes of God it became an opportunity in which even wicked people were forced to acknowledge a ‘higher power’ (Dan 3:29). Miracles happen when God proves He is able to do the impossible – the results speaking for themselves.

The King asked, “Has God been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel’s response was “Yes, my God shut the mouths of the lions’ (Dan 6:20-22). God is able to deliver those who stand firm when persecuted, yet in His purposes this is not always the case – some are released, while others suffer (Heb 11:32-38). God can deliver and do miraculous things, but it is according to the power of His Spirit at work in us, and our co-operation with Him. He can unleash His power in our situation and bring about change as we are fully committed to Him, refuse to compromise, are bold in our faith and do not seek revenge. “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim 1:11,12). There is no one better to whom we can commit our future, ministry and family. “Commit your way [destiny, future] to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this” (Ps 37:5). The timing is in His hands. Our responsibility is to remain faithful, expectantly looking to Him and He will open the doors.

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God. "He was fully convinced that God was able to do as He promised” (Rom 4:20,21). The writer of Hebrews stated, “He is able to save completely

Is my faith in God who is able?

those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them” (Heb 7:25). Jude commended his readers to “the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before His glorious presence” (Jud 1:24). What great news – “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Mt 19:26).

“God is able to bless you abundantly” (2 Cor 9:6-11). He is able to meet every one of your needs so abundantly that you can give generously. Note this starts by us sowing generously. It is then we can expect a generous harvest of righteousness, “For with the measure we use, it will be measured back to us…A man reaps what he sows” (Lk 6:38; Gal 6:7). The motivation for giving to God should be out of love and obedience to God. He invites us to share in building His Kingdom. “He 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…” (Eph 1:19, 3:20). We must be responsive to His leading.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). Focus your attention on Jesus, not what is opposing you. Because David’s faith was in God, he was not fearful of the obstacle (Goliath) that stood in the way of the Israelites gaining the victory, “The Lord will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine…The Lord will hand you over to me” (1 Sam 17:46,47,50). Be fully committed and submissive to Him. Pray and believe, yet be fully surrendered to His divine will – ‘I will serve Him regardless, whether my prayers are answered the way I desire or not’. There must be a willingness to accept what He gives, as “All things work out for good to those who love Him…” (Rom 8:28). The attitude of our heart should constantly be, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42).