Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
The story is told of a woodpecker who started to peck a tree at the very instant lightning struck the trunk, splitting it down the center. Thirty minutes later, that same woodpecker was seen with 10 of his friends, pointing to the tree and saying, “There it is boys, right over there.” Isn’t that just like us? Trying to take credit for what only God can do.
Ephesians 3 reminds us of this truth: God can do what we could never do. When the Savior gets involved, the possibilities are limitless. He instills life where death has seemingly won the day. He makes all things new when we are ready to throw in the towel. He commands resurrection after the funeral dirge is already being sung. On the first Easter morning, He took a tomb for the dead and made it a stage for life. He took the burial clothes of Jesus and made them garments of hope. He took an instrument of defeat and made it a cross of victory. These are “only God” things. They are the works of Him who can do far more than we could ask or think.
Jesus took two small copper coins given as an offering by a poor widow. He made them fantastic and beautiful generosity. Jesus took empty wine pots at a young couple’s wedding. He made them a celebration of abundance. Jesus took the choppy waters of the Sea of Galilee. He made them a sidewalk. Jesus took eyes that could not see and hearts that could not believe. He opened them both to behold the Messiah. All of these are “only God” things.
As we wade our way through the murkiness of this season, I encourage you to pray by asking God to once again do what only He can do. I believe God’s desire is to resurrect the dead hearts and corpse-like spirits of each and every one of us. We need resurrection. We need Jesus to speak life over us and into us. We need Him to call us from the tomb by name just as He did Lazarus. We need Him to say to our dry bones “arise!”
Amen and amen.
