Pastor column: There’s nothing beyond the power of God to do

The motto of the state of Ohio is: “With God all things are possible.” This motto says to me there’s nothing beyond the ability of God to accomplish; not one single thing He cannot do in your life. God is able to do what we believe is impossible.

Paul says, in Ephesians 3, “Now to Him [God] who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (vs. 20).

The simple truth is there’s nothing beyond the ability of God to do. Why then are there things that seem impossible to us?

First, things seem impossible when we lose hope. Peter says, “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ … has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Our God is the God of hope

With God there’s no such thing as a hopeless situation. Our God is the God of hope and hope is the greatest weapon for adversity. It keeps us going against the challenges of life. So why do many of us lose hope? One direct answer: We give up! Things will always seem impossible when we lose hope and give up.

Secondly, things seem impossible when we forget God’s ability. Jeremiah 32 tells us, “Sovereign LORD, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You” (vs. 17).

I confess that there have been situations that I’ve forgotten. I’ve allowed my circumstance to direct my attention on me, my problem, my trouble, my pain. At that point I forgot there’s nothing too hard for the power of God. Here’s the point: What gets your attention gets you.

If God has the ability to do anything and everything, He has the power and ability to reach into your life. Never forget that fact. Your situation is not too big for Him to handle.

Faith will unlock the power of God

Finally, things seem impossible when we live below our identity − “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Paul says that the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17). I am a child of God and I live by faith. This is my identity.

Faith is the key to unlocking the power of God in your life. Jesus tells us to have faith in God (Mark 11:22). He’s saying it’s possible to believe but we also must activate our faith. God’s power is at our disposal, and when we activate that power His power is displayed. Faith in Jesus has the ability to remove any problem from our lives. All you need to do is trust Him.

The impossible is well within the power and ability of God. All you need to do is place your trust in Him and let Him move in your life.

Rev. J. Patrick Street is lead pastor at Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com .

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Pastor column: There’s nothing beyond the power of God to do