POWER
(DAY 2 of 7) Connor Milligan
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” - Matthew 19:26 NIV
Think
Following Jesus isn’t easy. Think about it… Jesus teaches us to: love our enemies, forgive those who have hurt us, trust God with a tenth of our income, and deny our desires to pick up the desires of God.
Again, following Jesus isn’t easy… but as a follower of Jesus, we are still called to follow God even when it’s difficult. So how do we do this? Matthew 19:26 reminds us that we do this through the strength God gives us. The context of this verse has to do with salvation. With God we can be saved, but with man salvation is impossible. But God’s ability to make something impossible possible doesn’t stop at salvation, it also translates into other areas.
The Prophet Ezekiels prophesies, “And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” - Ezekiel 36:27 NIV
Here, Ezekiel says that God’s Spirit moves in us so that we can follow God’s ways. In other words, the Holy Spirit moves us through our emotions and our will, giving us the desires to do what Jesus teaches. Therefore, where it was impossible to follow Jesus’ teachings in our own strength, the Holy Spirit can move in us and make it possible.
With man it’s impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Again, following Jesus isn’t easy… but as a follower of Jesus, we are still called to follow God even when it’s difficult. So how do we do this? Matthew 19:26 reminds us that we do this through the strength God gives us. The context of this verse has to do with salvation. With God we can be saved, but with man salvation is impossible. But God’s ability to make something impossible possible doesn’t stop at salvation, it also translates into other areas.
- Where there is no way for healing, God can heal.
- Where there are road blocks, God can move mountains.
- Where there is anxiety, God can give peace.
The Prophet Ezekiels prophesies, “And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” - Ezekiel 36:27 NIV
Here, Ezekiel says that God’s Spirit moves in us so that we can follow God’s ways. In other words, the Holy Spirit moves us through our emotions and our will, giving us the desires to do what Jesus teaches. Therefore, where it was impossible to follow Jesus’ teachings in our own strength, the Holy Spirit can move in us and make it possible.
With man it’s impossible, but with God all things are possible.
Act
When you read the teachings of Jesus, which one(s) do you find yourself wrestling with the most? Tell God about your struggle, while acknowledging that you want to follow Jesus’ teachings. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength to walk in obedience. Finally, look for opportunities to step out in faith today!
Pray
Father, thank you for loving me. I acknowledge that in my own strength, it’s impossible to follow you. But through the strength of your Holy Spirit, all things are possible. Help me today to deny my flesh, and walk in obedience to the teachings of Jesus. In Jesus name. Amen!
Worship
Spend some time worshiping the Lord.
Come back tomorrow for day 10!