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.
Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3v20,21
NLT
Yesterday was an exhilarating day for me. Eleven years ago, on Easter morning, Phil and I saw the dream of starting a church come true.
With more fear than faith, we’d poured ourselves into the task, gaining confidence that God was really in it as He brought others—more gifted than ourselves— to join us. A retired finance guy to handle the administration, a gifted engineer to organize the set up and tear down, wise elders to lead, efficient women to manage and multi-task. So many willing to show up and do what needed doing.
But still we worried. Would it work? Would anyone come? What if they didn’t? What if we’d heard wrong?
So we worked harder than we’d ever worked before and prayed more than we’d ever prayed before. We knew we weren’t enough, but we were learning that God is.
And as the days and weeks passed, we learned deep the lessons of dependency, that…
When we don’t have what it takes to do the task God assigns us, He brings all that He is into the story and does more than we could ever do without Him.
Do you know that too?
This morning as you bathe and dress and feed that baby, wondering how in the world you will help him grow into a man after God’s heart?
When you wave your teenager out the door, wondering how in the world you will help her stay strong and pure and in love with Jesus?
When you sit at your desk and wonder how in the world you will get it all done?
The fact is, without Him you and I— we can do nothing of real value.
But with Him, in Him, following near and listening close, He can do so much more than we are capable of even dreaming!
Which is why yesterday was so exhilarating for me. To drive in and have to slowly follow people to their cars like a parking place stalker, then walk the long way into the jam-packed building, squeezing past lines of people waiting for the Gathering to dismiss so they could make the mad dash to get seats for the next one… then to raise hands in worship, bumping shoulders, hugging friends, hearing more stories of lives rescued, watching baptisms— so many!
This morning I wonder at our little faith. I apologize to this One I am learning to listen to. Again. And I feel Him smile, a little mirth added to our morning together.
He knows the task He’s put in your path is too big for you.
And He’s not worried at all.
But He knows that you are, and I think He wants you to know that…
He’s with you, fully present.
And that…
With Him… in Him… if you will listen and do what He says... learning to trust Him a little more…
He will accomplish what concerns you.
And I think you will be amazed. Astounded, just like I am, at what He is able to do with a man or a woman who is honestly all surrendered. Not perfect. Not super-gifted.
Just all His.
From my heart,
Diane
P.S. Do you face a daunting task today? I would love to pray for you. If you’ll leave a few lines in the comments I’ll join with you in bringing your worries to the One who answers so willingly and so well.
