God is Able by Gary Steffes

Have you ever wrestled discouragement when you pray? Or felt yourself losing hope that change is even possible? Maybe you have been laboring in prayer for months -or years- and nothing seems to be changing. As a result, you might find yourself losing passion, praying less, and doubting God.

For me, this is personal. There are things I have been praying for months, even years, that seem to not be changing. Sometimes I get discouraged and lose hope. I will doubt the power of prayer and question God.

Yet, today I am reminded of the greatness of God and His love for us as His people. Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to him who is ABLE to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

Psalm 77 encourages us to never forget the great things God has done. In fact, it says to go on offense and recall them to mind. It says, ”I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds...You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples” (verses 11-14).

As I think back, God has answered prayers for me personally. He also has done incredible works as seen in the Bible.
 
Here are some examples:

• God split the Red Sea an delivered Israel from slavery (Ex. 14)
• God provided manna from heaven to His people for 40 years (Ex. 16:35)
• God caused water to flow from a rock in the desert (Isaiah 48:21)
• God sent food to Elijah by ravens in the middle of a famine (1 Kings 19)
• God delivered Hezekiah from a ruthless Assyrian army by slaying 185,000 enemy soldiers in a night (2 Kings 19)
• Jesus fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:1-14)
• Jesus caused the blind to see, mute to speak, dead to rise, lame to walk, and demons to flee. (Matt. 4:23-24)
• Jesus empowered Peter to walk on water, and calmed a raging storm with only a word. (Matt. 14:24-33)
• Jesus rendered satan, sin and death powerless through the cross. He broke the curse! (Heb. 4:14, Rom. 6:6-10)
• Most of all, God brought salvation to us through Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12)

Therefore, let us never lose heart! Let’s be encouraged! Whatever our concerns and hopes are right now, God is ABLE to do something about it. He is able to provide, to heal, to save, to comfort, to protect, to encourage, to strengthen, and to transform. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He causes barren women to bear children and poor men to sit with nobles (1 Samuel 2:5-8). Nothing is impossible for Him! All wisdom, power, authority, and glory belongs to Him.

With Prayer Day next Friday, let us pray with excitement at what God is going to do. And after our Prayer Day is over, let us continue on in hope!

”The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.“ James 5:16

”And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

And God loves us. Keep hoping and praying Friends!