Chapter One – Time

God is Able By Priscilla Shirer

This chapter draws readers to Ephesians 3:20-21.  And it reads:

*Now to him who is able to do immeasurably [exceeding, abundantly beyond (KJV)] more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

In this letter Paul was trying to express to the people of Ephesus God’s glory and power.  Paul wanted to encourage the people.  To let them know that God had not forgotten about them and that they had more power than they were aware of.  Often times we, me included, read scripture after scripture trying to take in the whole meaning.  Trying to figure out just what God is trying to say.  I don’t know about you but rarely do I stop to meditate on one word or small group of words.

In chapter one, Mrs. Shirer discusses this passage in its entirety twice then she stops us to focus on just one word…Now!  So often during our struggles, trials and bouts of depression all we want is to get it over with. To get through it and not look back.  But that power Paul was trying to get the people of Ephesus to understand they had, is the same power Mrs. Shirer is trying to convey to her readers that we have.  We’re not going to gain the power after the struggle, after the trial, after the bout with depression.  We have the power right now.  We have the power to stand strong, to stand firm , and to overcome.  In the midst of it all, we don’t have to worry about when God will show up because the time is now and he already has.

My grandmother always told me that when you know better, you do better.  If I can simply look at my struggles, trials and disappointments as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as some hopeless period in my life that I will never get through, I will be able to see my power, my now taking shape right in front of me.  

Feel free to share your thoughts about this chapter in the comments below.  On to Chapter Two…

#Faith #Hope #Power #Trust