Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)
I’m going to go out on a limb and assume a few things about you. First, you’re reading this devotion, so I assume that you want to draw closer to God than you have ever been before. Second, there are some things in your life that you wish were more like Jesus and less like you. Lastly, you have hope and expectation that God can do something wonderful in your life. If I’ve made some wrong assumptions, I’d challenge you to reread those three statements and prayerfully consider why those things aren’t true. Either way, I hope you’ll continue reading.
Question: if there are things in our lives we know need to change, why is it more often than not that those things go unchanged? There have been times in my life where I’ve looked on problems that appear to be the size of mountains and planets. During some moments, I have hated the person staring back at me in the mirror. I’ve hated the failure, the sin, and lies, the hypocrisy, and the darkness that seemed to leave me sinking beneath the waves. But change wasn’t easy even in these times, why?
I’d like to rewind the clock back for a moment to September of 2011. Over a decade ago, I can remember laying in the darkness of my guest bedroom. At the age of 25 I was married, had a beautiful son, living in a five-bedroom house on an acre of land with two brand new cars. I was living the American dream… but I hated who I had become. I had broken every promise I had ever made to myself and those I loved. I was a liar, a thief, selfish, addicted, and helpless to break free even though the sin was killing me.
I wanted to change. I hated who I had become but I couldn’t stop the things I was doing. Why? Because what I needed wasn’t more of me, I needed Jesus. As I lay there in the darkness of that night, for the first time in my life I realized I was powerless to be the husband, dad, and person I desperately wanted to be. It was in that moment that I surrendered my life to the God of abundantly, immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine.
I have a suspicion that we are 15 days into this devotion and some of you are feeling like I was feeling that night over a decade ago. You are stuck and you don’t know how you got here or how to get out. You find yourself doing and saying things you instantly regret, and you break a million promises you’ve made to yourself that you’ll do better. The sin seems to be strangling the hope and joy in your life. You feel cold, God seems distant, and you aren’t sure you can live your life this way.
You don’t need a new list of resolutions or promises. You don’t need more self-help books or podcasts. You don’t need more effort, more focus, and more discipline. All those things can be helpful in your future development, but right now you need what I needed (and still need every day) you need Jesus. I’ve challenged you over these past few weeks to give up things that are keeping you from a deeper, more intimate, intentional relationship with Jesus. I’ve encouraged you to give those things up and use that time to pray, study your Bible, and make time for private worship. Have you done that?
If you are a follower of Jesus today, I want to remind you that nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Since we know that Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8), if He feels far away… who has moved? Confess the sin in your life and trust that God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Once you’ve confessed your sin, press deeper into the presence of God. Remember where your strength comes from, the God of the impossible.
To those of you who have never surrendered your life to Jesus, He is calling out to you today. There is freedom and victory here in the arms of Jesus. You don’t have to wait until you’ve cleaned up your life to come to Jesus, He is calling you to come to Him right where you are. Then, He will do far more abundantly in your life than you could ever ask or imagine.
Father, forgive me for ever thinking that my problems are too big for You to handle. Thank you, Lord Jesus, that You don’t turn away from me in my time of weakness, but You strengthen me and give me mercy and grace. Today I ask that You give me the desire and the ability to see Godly changes in my life. Holy Spirit I pray that You would help me be more like Jesus. Help me remember that with You God, nothing is impossible. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
