Who Can Stop Our God?
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
Ephesians 3:20
What if you dared to ask God to do the impossible this year. What would you ask?
If anyone knew what God could do, it was Job after listening to the Lord call him to account. God had a lot to say. He came to Job out of the storm and said, "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you and you must answer them." (Job 38:2-3 NLT) God then proceeds to ask Job questions that leave Job speechless. He asks, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me if you understand." (38:4 NLT) and "Can you direct the movement of the stars--binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion?" (38:31 NLT). God wanted to know, "Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane? Did you give it the ability to leap like a locust?" (39:19-20).
Anyone would have been upset. Job had lost everything, and his friends were blaming him. They went on and on about how Job thought he was so righteous, but they were going to show him his wickedness. Job tried to defend himself, but he just wanted an audience with God. He wanted some answers. He demanded answers. Wouldn't you? Maybe you have felt like Job, not because you've lost everything, not because your friends have accused you of wrongdoing, but because you have lost a loved one to the world. Your angry, and you are demanding answers. If that's where you are, I encourage you to read Job 38-41. God didn't answer Job's questions, but He said what needed to be said. He put everything into perspective. God is in control. He wants you to know that He is still God and He is sitting on His throne. He is sovereign, and He is all-powerful. He alone can do the impossible.
So what are you asking God to do this year that seems impossible? Instead of demanding answers to your questions about why this happened or why He didn't stop it from happening, why not turn your focus on who God is. Big! Powerful! Wonderful! Beautiful! Generous!
I heard a one minute devotional on the radio by Lysa TerKeurst the other day. She talked about a time several years ago, when she was sitting and listening to her friend vehemently reject her views of God. Lysa then told her friend that she would be praying for God to mess with her in ways too bold for her to deny. And God did, but not right away. Fast forward six years. Her friend had read one of Lysa's books. One verse, in particular, caught her attention and messed with her so much that she let the possibility of God's existence get in her heart. That was all it took. The day came when Lysa was able to lead her friend to the Lord when she called to inquire how she might receive God's love. Only God can change a heart.
Praying for God to mess with an unbeliever or wayward one in ways too bold for them to deny isn't a hard thing to pray. But seeing God do what you are asking may seem impossible. So pray it anyways. Ask God in faith to mess with your prodigal in ways that make it impossible for them to not see Him. Maybe like with Lysa's friend, they will read or hear a verse that will keep them up at night. They will not be able to rest until they have the answer. Or maybe God has another plan, but still one that is good and intended to prosper.
After God finished speaking to Job, Job had a completely different mindset. He said, "I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you...I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me." (Job 42:2-3 NLT). Job was so humbled that He didn't dare ask God for anything. He knew he had asked the wrong questions. Even though Job didn't ask, God did the impossible anyway. He restored him completely and made the second half or his life more prosperous than the first half had been.
God wants us to ask though; He desires we ask Him to do what only He can do! Because "WHO CAN STOP OUR GOD?"