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.













5 comments

  1. Yesteday at church and in our Bible study with our Spokane friends and even in my private Bible reading, I keep coming across the words, "For such a time as this." We were put here on earth, for such a time as this. In these darker than usual days, what has God put me here for? I need to discover it truly and then go for it! Thank you for your dedication in putting these blogs out. I hope you continue for a long, long time. Blessings an love,,
    Betsy

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  2. Another timely reminder! When we take our focus off of ourselves or the current problem and put it on the Lord, we can experience that peace in our hearts. He IS able, and I'm entering the new year with hope in my heart. I've been praying for my son's for so many years... and I'm continuing to turn them over to the Lord and trust His perfect plan. Thank you for your encouragement Nancy!

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  3. Hudson Taylor's life story is so encouraging. Thanks for the reminder. Happy New Year to you.

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  4. It is amazing all that God can do to help so many. Hope your new year was good and is starting out good for you. Hugs. Kris

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  5. Hudson Taylor has always been a missionary hero to me. (His grandson was interned in a camp in China during WWII with Eric Liddell (Chariots of Fire)

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