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.
A Look in the Mirror
As humans, our default setting isn't exactly selflessness. We often judge ourselves by our intentions, but judge others by their actions. We can be quick to accuse without first looking in the mirror.
But Jesus calls us to live differently:
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 NLT
Often referred to as the “golden rule,” it’s a brilliant litmus test for discerning how to respond to people in the face of hardship, uncertainty, and pain.
Here are some ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives:
WHEN SOMEONE HURTS YOU...
Think: Have you ever hurt someone, either accidentally or intentionally? And when the mistake was made or realized, did you want to be screamed at and given a harsh consequence, or did you long for grace and a second chance?
To the extent that we forgive, we are forgiven. So what if, today, we give others the same grace, compassion, and mercy that ...