Unlimited
What would you do with unlimited resources?
Would you buy a yacht, plane, or skyscraper? Help eliminate world hunger? Travel the world? Fund cancer research? Ensure that every orphan has a safe place to live? Would you mostly think about yourself, or would think about others?
It’s hard to imagine having no limits. We’re in constant need of food, water, air, and sleep. But unlimited is who God is.
Writing to the first-century church in Ephesus, the apostle Paul said this:
“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.”
Ephesians 3:16 NLT
Will you pause for a moment and consider what it means to truly be unlimited? To have every resource imaginable at your fingertips? To never need food. To never get tired. To never get distracted. To never have a single need.
Nothing is too hard for God, and He wants to empower His people.
If you keep reading through the end of the chapter, Paul wants the Ephesians to be empowered with God’s Spirit—by means of His unlimited resources—so that their roots will grow deep, His Spirit will keep them strong, and they’ll be able to experience the depth and fullness of God’s love.
It’s an ongoing mystery why He chooses to use His imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. But that’s exactly what He wants and that’s exactly what He’ll do.
So, when you feel tired or overwhelmed, discouraged, or completely shattered, remember: God’s resources are unlimited. The possibilities are endless. And He specializes in making all things new.
The Strength of God in Us
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:10 are a paradox. We don’t often think of hardship and difficulties in life as a sign of strength or joy. Our culture often celebrates the physically and mentally strong, and it’s easy to elevate those who are successful and talented.
But Paul says that God works differently among those who follow Him. Rather than looking for those who are naturally talented and strong, God likes to use those who are weak and humble.
Our natural successes and talents can get in the way of God working in our life, but when we are weak and helpless, we must rely on God’s strength alone.
That is why Paul says he delights in difficulty, persecution, and hardship—because it’s in those moments that God is able to be his strength and joy. God forms character in times of difficulty.
Paul was not a naturally gifted speaker or writer, and yet God worked mightily within his weakness to produce powerful speeches and letters that are part of Scripture....