Risk

The ability of God

Eirene2 Comments

Daniel 4:18 “This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you.”

There is an ability that resides in the life of the believer and it is the ability of God. His Spirit takes up residence in us to make the impossible possible and through His activity in our life, to demonstrate the power, wisdom and greatness of God through His people.

We see the working of God in the life of Daniel because he was put in situations that were impossible for him. It was in these moments that God’s ability burst onto the scene. And when God was doing through Daniel what others were unable to do, even King Nebuchadnezzar realized Who the source was and what the difference was between Daniel and the other wise men in Babylon.

We may also desire to see such things through our own life – the power and wisdom of God on display, mighty works being done through us. Yet we are unwilling to let ourselves be put into impossible situations. It’s scary. It’s uncomfortable. And we just don’t like to be either scared or uncomfortable. So we continue on in our nice little Christian life and see very little of the power of God working through us.

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Not the ability you were born with. Not the ability you have acquired. But the ability that God supplies, totally apart from your own efforts – this is what glorifies Him.

Are you willing to step out, beyond your own ability, and into the ability of God? There’s no guarantee that it won’t feel intimidating. But it will be glorious.

Epaphroditus – a risk taker

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“because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.”   Philippians 2:30
 
Epaphroditus was sent to Paul by the Philippians.  Perhaps he was bringing an offering of love from the beloved Philippians believers.  But at some point in his journey Epaphroditus became sick.  So sick that he almost died.  Paul says of this man that he did not regard his life because of the work of Christ.  He risked it all.
 
This reminds me of the words of the Saviour in Mark 8:35, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”   This is what Epaphroditus did.
 
The apostle Paul’s instructions to the Philippians regarding Epaphroditus are as follows:  “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem” (v. 29).   There is something very admirable and praiseworthy in risking it all for Jesus.
 
John Piper has written a book titled “Don’t Waste Your Life.”  It sits on my bookshelf and every time I see the title I feel rebuked.  What a comfortable life I have.  How little I risk for Jesus. 
 
Safe?  Yes.  But isn’t there more to this life than being safe and comfortable?  Isn’t there more than being liked and respected?
 
My heart aches to make an impact in this world for Jesus Christ.  Why do I continue to cling to comfort, security and safety?  What will it take for me to throw it all on the altar?
 
These questions are uncomfortable.  They are haunting.   But they must be answered.

These are my questions to God.