God of the Impossible

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
~ Ephesians 3:20 NLT

For those of you familiar with the Bible, the verse above, Ephesians 3:20, may be one of your favorites.  It’s one that God reminds me of from time to time when I become anxious about something.  How about you?

Right now, I am praying for a young man who is going to retake a test that he needs in order to be certified for his dream job.  A dear friend is starting her own business.  We know how hard that is!  Another friend is awaiting cancer surgery.  A friend is worried about a child with depression -  unfortunately, so common nowadays.

Why does this verse speak to all of us who may be anxious about something?  First, it reminds us that it is not us, but God, who is able to work in the situation causing anxiety.  It’s not our strength, our wisdom, our power of prayer, our influence, our ability in any way that will cause the outcome we desire.  God, who is all-powerful, all-wise, ever present and knows all, can and will work on our behalf.  We cannot know what lies ahead in the future, nor what is best. But God, who created time and is not bound by it, can see ahead and is able to guide us accordingly.

And I love that my God can accomplish infinitely more than I might ask or even imagine.  My God is bigger, greater, more compassionate and merciful than I could ever believe. 

Okay, now I have to confess what is causing me personally to be anxious right now. It is packing my suitcase for an extended trip. Just one small suitcase.  Silly, really!  But today God brought me back to this verse.  He reminded me that he knows what I will need, if I will rely on him to tell me.  So maybe that is you, too, today?  Can you trust the big things to God, but have never believed he really cares about the small ones?

Our loving Father, gave us his Spirit who lives in us every minute so we can rely completely on him all the time.  If we care about it, he cares, too.  So, if you are in a situation, even a small one, that is making you anxious, just stop and pray Ephesians 3:20.  Let the reality and power of what it promises sink into your heart.  Breathe!  Release the anxiety and thank God that he knows and is able to do more than you can ask or imagine in that situation.

Dear friends, be blessed as you claim that nothing in your life is too big, or too small, for God to care about. Be blessed with growing faith as you choose to trust in his all-consuming love for you. Be blessed as you cry out like the father in Mark 9:24, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Then, leave your anxiety behind. Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ June 7, 2022