No Different

Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT says, “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

I’m not sure if you have ever compared your faith to someone else. It seems like something we all do, at least from time to time. Maybe you look at an influential preacher and wonder how they got so close to God. Specific disciplines, gifts, training, and maturity are involved in what makes a great leader reach great heights, but this morning I’m reminded that it is the same God working in us all.

God may give one believer many spiritual gifts and resources and another just a few. However, God does not provide one believer with more potential access to his heart than any other. When it comes to knowing God and living in freedom, we all have the same availability from God.

As I am sitting here resetting my heart before the Lord, God showed me that what I do here in my tiny office each morning is no different from the most impactful ministries. Sure, many factors set those ministries apart from our humble operation, but they are no different as far as this simple function of abiding. The same goes for you. It is not a competition to see who is the most spiritual but rather an invitation to experience the same closeness and power of God’s presence.

Set aside human comparisons. Today’s verse shows us an even greater truth. The power that we have access to is the resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead. It is the glorification power that seated him at the right hand of God in the heavenly realms.

Something shifts when we recognize that we have been entrusted with the same power that Jesus carried. Can you let that sink in for a few moments? God has given you unlimited access to the source of his power. What will you do with this gift?

I am reminded today that it is not our job to know what this gift should be used for. Instead, our job is to surrender, learn to hear his voice, and be obedient sons and daughters. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with this responsibility or paralyzed by the greatness of the gift, we can choose to be grateful and lean into rest. I invite you to pray through Psalm 23 with this concept of God’s incredible power working in you in mind.

Psalm 23:1-6

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

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