Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - Midterm exams

"I pray that you will begin to understand 

the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe Him."

Ephesians 1:19

     Elementary school students sit on a power keg of potential knowledge. Why? Because their minds are wide open and they believe they can learn and do anything.  If you ask a classroom full of them, "Who can draw?" or "Who's a fast runner?" most raise their hands to share the proof with enthusiasm.  They don't waste time covering their feelings or dealing with doubts. When they're impressed, their eyebrows shoot upwards and their eyes pop open.  When they're interested, they ask questions. When they're having fun, they smile and laugh.  Because they're open to learning and believe they can do anything, they learn something new and empowering every day of their lives and they want you to know about it.  Yet, we know they've only begun their learning journey. 

    Paul knew the Ephesian church sat on a power keg as well.  They had already proved their enthusiasm for the Lord because Paul wrote, 

"Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus 

and your love for Christians everywhere, 

I have never stopped thanking God for you" 

 (Ephesians 1:15).  

      This church's "strong faith" and "love for Christians everywhere" put them way ahead of many of our contemporary churches, yet Paul knew this loving, active church had only begun to understand what God's Power plus their faith could do if they remained open to learning from Him.

"I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, 

so that you might grow in your knowledge of God." 

(Eph. 1:16-17)  

Paul prayed these students would experience God's Power first hand and let the future waiting for them enlighten their learning.    

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light 

so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. 

I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to His people."

(1:18). 

    It seems odd that the Ephesians' strong faith and far-reaching love didn't stop Paul from praying they would "begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe Him. . . the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms." (1:19-20).  
    Are we ready for the following midterm exam?

          Do we believe God or do we limit what we believe He can do? 

          Are our hearts closed off to anything powerful He would do through us?  

          Have we been "at it" so long nothing makes our eyes pop open any more?   

          Do we believe Him when He says He uses His power "for us" - to overcome sin, love difficult people, move mountains, remove the "buts" from our discussions with Him, put others first, show patience, witness,  serve,  reach out, draw in, get over the past, get over ourselves, change the negatives in our personalities, trust He has a plan?   

         Have we forgotten we're children and students who never outgrow the learning laboratory of how God uses His power "for us who believe Him?"  

     My answers to these questions make me glad this is only a midterm exam and not a final.

Father, help our unbelief and restore our childlike faith in Your Power.  We confuse our power, abilities and talents with Yours to work through us, so no wonder we doubt.  Please, separate these entirely different truths in our minds and hearts.  Show us today what You can do through us when we believe.  Flood us with Your Light and heal the holes in our faith. Remove the "buts" and doubts about Your Power.  Show us Your Face, pour out Your Grace.

In the Name of Jesus Who never doubted Your Power