“Now to him who 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 in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
– Ephesians 3:20,21
One time when my Grandpa Schuller was on a plane, he met a mathematician who told him an incredible story. He told him how he was late for class one day in graduate school and arrived just as the class was about to end. Because of his tardiness, the young student missed the lecture on a math problem that was written on the board. He copied down the problem, assuming it was a homework assignment, and the teacher told him it was due on Friday. When he returned to his room, he began working on the problem, only to discover that it was far more difficult than he had anticipated. He struggled with it for a week, but he eventually figured it out. On Friday, he tracked down his professor and presented him with the solution. The professor was stunned and continued to tell his student that the problem was considered to be unsolvable and that no one had ever come up with a solution before! Because he hadn’t heard his teacher use the word impossible to describe the assignment, he didn’t have any reason to believe he wouldn’t be able to solve it. He went on to become a world-famous mathematician as a result of his professor’s unwittingly launching him into an excellent career! Similarly, for a long time, many felt that breaking the four-minute mile was impossible; they believed that no human being has the athletic ability to do it. Then, in 1954, Roger Bannister ran it in 3:59.4, paving the way for a slew of others to follow suit. Hundreds of individuals began to do it, almost as if it were no big deal, after the barrier of seeming impossibility was shattered. Many of us, my friend, are enslaved by our anxieties and perceived limits because we forget that God is present in both our bodies and brains. He created us in His image, and we can and will do anything He asks of us! In fact, I am convinced that he enjoys using flawed individuals to accomplish difficult tasks. As you prepare for your Christmas celebrations and reflect on Jesus’ birth, keep in mind that since He came, good things are in store for you! He brought with him an unwavering hope and an unbreakable Kingdom. What wonderful news! |
Prayer
Jesus, I am grateful for your limitless strength and power. Today, I welcome all of you into my life and situations.
Reflection
When was the last time you did something that was beyond your own power or ability? What was your reaction to this evidence of Jesus’ presence within you?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
