Tag: God’s Power

Embracing Contentment: When God Says No

Paul’s thorn in the flesh, as described in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, is a powerful reminder that God’s answers to prayer aren’t always what we want, but they are always what we need. Paul begged God three times to remove his thorn, but instead of removing it, God offered a profound assurance: “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This wasn’t the answer Paul sought, but it was the one he needed to embrace contentment despite his circumstances.

How often do we find ourselves pleading for God to change our situation? Whether it’s a physical ailment, a relational wound, or a persistent obstacle, we want relief, solutions, and comfort. Yet, like Paul, we might hear “no” from God—not because He doesn’t care, but because His grace is shaping us into something greater. It’s in those moments of denial that we discover the richness of His presence and the depth of His sustaining power.

Contentment doesn’t come from having an easy life but from trusting a sovereign God. Paul could say, “I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ” because he understood that every “no” carried a greater purpose: “For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s power shines through our limitations, showing that our worth isn’t tied to self-sufficiency but to His all-sufficient grace.

When we embrace contentment, we’re choosing to rest in God’s plan rather than wrestle with it. We may not understand why the thorn remains, but we can trust that He is using it for His glory and our ultimate good. True peace comes not from the absence of struggle but from the presence of Christ in the struggle. His grace sustains us, and His power transforms our weakness into a testimony of His faithfulness.

What are you facing today that feels insurmountable? Have you brought it to God in prayer? If His answer is “no,” can you trust Him to provide the strength you need to endure? Contentment isn’t passive resignation; it’s active faith in the One who knows what’s best for us.

In a world that tells us to fight for comfort and control, Paul’s example invites us to a different way: to boast in our weaknesses and to find joy in God’s strength. When God says no, it’s not a rejection but an invitation—to trust deeper, to lean harder, and to experience His grace more fully than we ever thought possible.

The Limits of Human Expectation

The story of Peter’s miraculous release from prison in Acts 12 challenges the boundaries of what we believe God can do. Here we see Peter, imprisoned and facing death, suddenly freed by an angel. Yet, even as he walks out past guards and through iron gates, he assumes this must be a vivid dream rather than reality. It wasn’t until he found himself fully outside, alone and unchained, that he understood God had actually delivered him.

Peter’s initial disbelief highlights a truth we all face: our human expectations often limit our faith in God’s power. Even though Peter had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, he was unprepared for a supernatural deliverance in this context. His response invites us to examine how we might overlook or dismiss God’s work simply because it seems unbelievable.

1. God’s Works Often Exceed Our Expectations

In times of hardship, our minds may naturally shift to practical solutions, forgetting that God’s ways transcend the natural world. Peter’s experience reminds us that God is not confined by the limits of what seems possible. God’s power isn’t bound by prison walls, chains, or guards. When we place limits on what we believe God can do, we inadvertently put boundaries on our faith.

2. Trusting the Unexpected Path

Though Peter didn’t immediately grasp what was happening, he followed the angel’s guidance step-by-step. Each moment required trust as he moved into the unknown. Like Peter, we are sometimes called to walk forward in faith, trusting God’s direction even when we don’t understand the outcome. God’s path may look confusing or surprising, yet each step is an invitation to trust in His wisdom over our own understanding.

3. Recognizing God’s Hand in Surprising Circumstances

The incredible can seem unreal. When God works in ways that surpass our imagination, we may feel like it’s “too good to be true.” This story encourages us to open our eyes to God’s movements, even when they challenge our expectations. Sometimes, God’s work feels surreal because it doesn’t align with our limited view. When we learn to recognize God in the unexpected, our faith deepens, allowing us to see His hand at work in ways we might have otherwise missed.

4. Taking Comfort in God’s Extraordinary Plans

Peter’s disbelief doesn’t reflect doubt in God, but rather awe in the unexpected. This response shows that astonishment is a natural reaction to God’s grace. It’s comforting to know that God’s love often defies logic and reason. He’s not constrained by human limits but works freely to bring about His purposes, often in ways that surprise us. We are invited to embrace the wonder, allowing the mystery of God’s work to deepen our trust in His boundless power.

Peter’s story teaches us that faith isn’t about understanding everything God does but about believing in a God who surpasses our expectations. When life seems too daunting, and solutions seem too far-fetched, God invites us to broaden our faith, trusting that His power and presence reach beyond the limits of our imagination.

The Impossible God

In Ezekiel 37, the prophet is taken to a valley filled with dry bones—symbolic of the hopeless state of Israel in exile. Humanly speaking, these bones are beyond hope, but God commands Ezekiel to prophesy over them, and they come to life, forming a vast army. This powerful vision serves as a reminder that God can bring life to even the most lifeless situations.

Chapters 38-39 speak of a future battle where God will defeat the enemies of His people. Despite the overwhelming odds, God assures victory. The prophecy against Gog shows that no nation, no matter how powerful, can thwart God’s plans. He is sovereign over all nations and history itself.

In Ezekiel 32, the lament over Egypt reminds us that God not only judges but also saves. Egypt, once a mighty power, is brought low because of its sin and arrogance. This judgment serves as a warning, but also as a reminder of God’s righteousness.

As Christians today, we can take comfort in the fact that God is still in the business of doing the impossible. When facing situations that seem dead or hopeless—whether it’s a broken relationship, a lost dream, or a spiritual dryness—God can breathe new life. In a world where global events can seem chaotic and disheartening, believers can rest in the assurance that God is in control. While we may not understand everything that happens, we can trust that God is working all things for His purposes. We can take heart the when it looks to us like everything is “falling apart”, the reality is that it’s all coming together. Finally, we must recognize that while God’s judgment is real, so is His salvation. We should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and turn to God, finding in Him both a just and merciful Saviour.

God is the God of the impossible — the impossible God. He revives what is dead, sovereignly controls the course of history, and offers salvation to those who turn to Him. In our lives, we often face situations that seem insurmountable, but God’s power knows no bounds. Let us trust Him to do what only He can do.