Tuesday, January 11: Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Can God really do anything He wants to do?

Have you ever had a difficult time relating to another person? We often try to relate with new people we meet in conversation. This is a tool we use to connect with and understand who someone else is or what they do. Many times, this is a great step toward building a connection, but sometimes this proves more difficult than it may seem. When we run into one of these “near-impossible-to-relate” moments, it can be awkward and even deflating.

We often have the hardest time relating naturally with those who are most unlike us. After all, it takes time and effort to find common ground. We often apply this to our relationship with God as well, seeking to fit God into our own box of understanding. But this effort shows how unlike us He is. His sovereign power, perfect character, and perfectly faithful Spirit are just a few areas where we are unable to relate. God has given us so many ways to know Him: through His Word, the church, prayer, and His Spirit, but even through these means, our understanding only scratches the surface of who He is. He is more than we can comprehend.

This fact could easily scare us away but recognizing God’s “otherness” should brings us to our knees to worship Him and humble draw near Him. It allows us to see that He can do far above what we can ask or think. A child relishes in the gift of being able to run to their parent, knowing they can take care of their needs with skills and resources that they do not hold themselves. God is unlike us in the most marvelous way. His power is greater than our own. His love is deeper than our comprehension. And His glory is more profound than our wildest dreams. We can trust that our God can do anything He wants, but whatever He does will never contradict His character.

• What are some ways God is not like us?
• How does recognizing the ways God is not like you change the way you approach Him?
• Pray and thank God for being holy and so different from us. In thanksgiving, tell Him all the ways you see that He is different and more amazing than we can imagine.