When we look at a glass to fill it we stop pouring before the water reaches the top of the cylinder. When we stand on the staircase and contemplate jumping (for those of us who have not yet attained full maturity), we only leap as far as we believe our legs are able to sustain the impact of landing without incurring injury. When we drive an automobile, we know what speeds to go to operate the vehicle safely. When given a task by God, we measure what we will do by what we determine is our capacity. And immediately we superimpose our notion of our capability upon our Creator.
Once we become children of God, we must rearrange what we view is possible to allow for God to do what He wills. We determine capacity when we say "no" to God. The Bible nowhere tells us only to do what we think we can. Rather, it reminds us repeatedly of God’s power and then illustrates what His power is capable of accomplishing. Many of us store up treasures so that life will be luxurious when we are old because we don’t really believe God will see us through. Consequently, He cannot use us to reach our needy neighbors. Our ability to minister is determined by how we define capacity.
Am I suggesting you forgo food because Jesus is the only nourishment you need? No—unless God specifically calls you to go hungry for a season. Nor should you boycott doctors for a sick daughter trusting that God will heal her. But are you underestimating His ability? Whose strength are you living on? Don’t define your capacity by common sense—to do so deifies the mind. Define it by faith in the One for Whom awesome is an inadequate descriptor. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Meditation
Ephesians 3:20-21—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.
Inspiration
