“Is our God able?” As I shared with a friend about the spiritual highs and lows of life, and my heart’s desire for personal and corporate revival at Tallowood, he asked me that question. It corresponded perfectly with our Bible reading, today.
Paul wrote out his prayers for God’s people in Ephesus (Ephesians 3:14-19). Ever since he had arrived there and ministered there, he cared deeply for the souls of the people. So he prayed to the Father of all our families asking for power, love, and knowledge for the people there. Paul prayed that the church in Ephesus would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
As I read these words, I pray them over us at Tallowood. Once again, I am reminded that in a church culture obsessed with filling up buildings, God really wants to fill up his people with himself. God specializes in filling things. He does nothing halfway. God fills the universe. The whole earth is full of his glory. But what he really wants to do is fill his people with himself. We are baptized with the Spirit once, but we are filled over and over again as we surrender.
Why isn’t this happening? God cannot fill us if we are full of ourselves and other things. Our calendars are full. Our agendas are full. Our stomachs are full. Our closets are full. Our bank accounts are full. What need do we have of God? Desperate need! We sing, “Of things, we have our fill, and yet we hunger still.” Can God really fill us with all the fullness of God?
“Now to him who is able . . .” The angel told Abraham in the Old Testament (Genesis 18) and Mary in the New Testament, “Nothing is impossible with God.” Are we with God? Do we know he is able? The three Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew that God was able. Jeremiah knew that God was able.
How much can God do? Immeasurably more than all we can we ask or imagine. How does he do it? According to his power. Where is his power? At work within us. So what does God deserve? Glory. Where? In the church and in Christ Jesus. When does he deserve glory? Throughout all generations forever and ever.
Yes. God is able. I’m glad we settled that. Now, what will he do for us if we empty ourselves of sin and open our hearts to him? Won’t he fill us with the fullness of him who fills everything in every way? Let’s find out, together.
