God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3: 20 The Message
Everything we know on this earth has limits. There are speed limits on our roads. Weight limits on bridges. Even in the world of physics, there are certain limits which cannot be broken (i.e. nothing can travel faster than the speed of light). Yet God is without limits.
This scripture passage from the Apostle Paul reminds us of this important, foundational, and mind-blowing truth. The Lord is able to do more than we can possibly imagine. We cannot put the Lord in a box, bounded by what we consider to be logical, or possible. He is a God beyond our imagination. Nothing is impossible for Him!
In spite of God’s power and abilities, He respects us. The Lord does not steamroll us. Instead, He molds and shapes us “not by pushing us around, but by working within us.” The Lord is slowly, steadily, and patiently working within each one of us who call upon His name. This is the work of spiritual transformation. It is happening within each of us, right now.
We may expect to go from a seed to a fruit-bearing branch very quickly. Yet like apple trees, it takes time for us to bear fruit. God wants to nurture us, to pour his spirit into us. God the Father wants to help us grow into the fullness of His expectations for our abilities. Therefore, He gave us His Son, just as fruit needs the natural sun to grow.
When you feel disappointed in yourself, realize that God is still working within you. You grow continually until your time on this earth is done. You are never too old, or too young to be sculpted by the Lord. You may not think you have reached all of your goals, but the Lord is working within you continually. Remember: “God can do anything!”
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for never giving up on me. You are always willing to be there for me, guiding my every step. Help me to be patient, and to accept the changes You require in my life to better serve You. May I find satisfaction in my growth, but let me never be so satisfied that I stop growing. I know that You have more growth in store for me. Let my imagination soar to the goals You have for me.
With patience, I pray this prayer in Your Holy name, Amen
