WEEK 45 – DAY 1

MIRACULOUS POWER SUPPLY FOR THE WORK OF FAITH

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Sweet Pea is in the clutches of the bad guy. All seems lost. Popeye is scrawny compared to Brutus until he whips out his spinach, consumes it straight from the can, and sprouts muscles instantaneously. Sweat Pea is saved, and children everywhere eat their spinach. God’s power is far better than spinach.  Without Jesus, I can do nothing; but if I stay close to Him and allow Him to live through me, I can do everything He has called me to do. (John 15:5, Philippians 4:13). Miraculous power – have I ever prayed for that?  When I pray for my friends in ministry, do I pray that God will empower their works of faith in order to glorify Christ? I’ve concluded that I voice puny prayers. I pray, “Lord, if it’s your will, please strengthen Dudley to lead men to a closer walk with you.” I pray as if God’s power is limited by our ability.  It is not.  I should pray, “Lord, I know it’s Your will for men to be transformed by your grace. Infuse Dudley with Your power to speak boldly and live adventurously for You. Complete his work of faith by taking the men and women You’ve entrusted to him and totally renewing them to serve you faithfully.”

Lord, we yearn to have absolute trust in Your power, wisdom, and goodness. We pray that Your power will be evident in the works of faith You are completing in and through us. We are relying on Your ability to complete the work you started in us (Philippians 1:6) because we know that without faith in Christ, we are incapable of pleasing You (Romans 8:5-11).