God’s power is unfathomable
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Faith Fitness
Bro. Sam Kaufman
Sometimes we forget the sovereignty of God and that His power is unfathomable.
Many have stood in awe at how God answered their prayer. One such occasion involved the early church after James had been killed by the sword and Herod took Peter.
The church prayed non-stop for Peter. God answered through a miraculous deliverance when the angel appeared in the prison, unshackled Peter and set him free.
Those who had been praying couldn’t fathom Peter’s deliverance. When Peter showed up at the home where they were praying, they didn’t believe it was Peter at the door.
But God can do exceeding abundantly above what we can ask or even think. We need to lock into that notion by faith.
The birth of two babies in Luke provides an example of having faith in what God can do.
John the Baptist’s father, Zacharias, was a righteous man, but his belief system had a brief lapse when he encountered the angel in the temple.
Mary, Jesus’ mother, was strong in faith when the angel appeared unto her to tell her of miraculous events that would transpire.
There was a contrast between the two concerning their faith in what God planned to do.
One had a hard time believing, while the other grasped God could do whatever He chooses – even if it is something man can’t comprehend.
Faith in God goes beyond our understanding and comprehension. It simply believes God can do what He said he would.
Sometimes it does take a “leap of faith” in our lives.
Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, were up in age and had no children. That was about to change because God can do those things.
Gabriel appeared unto Zacharias when Zacharias was offering incense in the temple. The first thing Gabriel said to Zacharias was not to fear and that Zacharias’ prayer for a child was heard. That right there was a lot to take in.
After Gabriel provided insight into the child (John the Baptist), Zacharias asked, “Whereby shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.”
Gabriel told Zacharias that Gabriel stands in the presence of God and was sent by God to deliver the message. Additionally, the angel said, “And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.”
There was a consequence to Zacharias’ doubt, but the experience as a whole likely increased his faith.
Zacharias had a prime example to look back to when Gabriel initially told him that he and Elisabeth would have a child.
The Hebrew (and faith) patriarch Abraham was strong in the faith – giving glory to God – when it was told to Abraham that he and Sarah would have a child in their old age. The Bible said Abraham did not stagger at the promises of God, but was fully persuaded that God could accomplish what He said.
Mary was similar in the faith when the angel came to her with an announcement.
Gabriel told Mary she was going to have a baby. This announcement required a whole lot of faith because Mary was a virgin.
What’s interesting is that Isaiah 7 reveals that a virgin would conceive. Mary likely read those scriptures, but could it really be referencing her? That would be hard to fathom.
Mary asked Gabriel how this was possible.
“And the angel said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)
“And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.” (Luke 1:36)
The kicker comes in the following verse: “For with God nothing shall be impossible.”
Mary’s response was full of faith and belief.
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”
Consider Mary’s desire to do God’s will (be it unto me). She was espoused to Joseph at the time, and there could be serious issues with a pregnant wife out of wedlock – even stoning Mary to death by the law – or at least shame and ridicule.
But Mary said “be it unto me” because of her faith in God.
The Holy Ghost spoke through Elisabeth when Mary visited her.
“And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)
