Monday Morning Encouragement -- Far More Abundantly

 

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

In September 1853, a twenty-one year old named Hudson Taylor sailed from Liverpool to China. His desire was to reach the people of China with the Gospel of Christ. At the time only a few dozen missionaries were stationed there. By the time Taylor died a half century later, he had established the China Inland Mission, which still operates today, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with East Asians.

Hudson Taylor was a great man of faith, and God used him to accomplish great things. Taylor once said, "There are three stages to every great work of God; first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done."

When I read that quote I can't help but think of Ephesians 3:20-21, and God's ability to do far more than we can ever expect. In fact, the NKJV of the Bible translates that God is able to do "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think."

He accomplishes all this exceedingly abundant work through the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us and empowers us to do all that He chooses to do. God may call us to do something that seems entirely impossible, and here's the thing: that's exactly the best place for us to be. For when we face the impossible and move forward in faith, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit and not in our own abilities, God accomplishes great things. The impossible becomes difficult, and difficult becomes done, the glory goes to God. Not to us. Only to Him.

If you doubt me, consider that Jesus fed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. God parted the Red Sea to provide a way of escape for His people in the great exodus. He raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. Not to mention His own resurrection after three days lying in a tomb.

This is our God. This is who we love and serve. When He calls us, He will supply all that we need and so much more. How exciting to enter 2024 knowing this. I can't wait to see what He does next. How about you?

Today's music video Holy Spirit Living Breath of God by Keith and Krysten Getty reaffirms Ephesians 3:20-21. Enjoy.

I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.