After every mountain comes a valley. That is certainly very often true in the Bible. Moses comes off the mountain, and he finds Aaron and the Israelites worshipping a golden calf. Jesus comes off the mountain and He finds His disciples powerless to help a boy beset by demons. As I read that story, I relate to the disciples. Many times I feel like them. I have a desire to help but the problems I face seem too complex, too intractable for me. As a pastor, I see many people with broken lives. They come to me asking for help. And honestly many times I look at the issues and hurts and say they're beyond me. I wonder where the power of God is.
Of course I know the problem is not with God. He is not short of power. The problem must be with me. But what issues prevent me from knowing God's power in ministry? Jesus suggests two. He says that He is weary of an unbelieving, perverse generation. These are the problems that lead to power failure: a lack of faith and a lack of obedience. Perhaps I don't have the power to make a difference because I'm afraid to trust that God will work. What if I act trusting God and nothing happens? And perhaps I am afraid to do it God 's way because I am trusting in my own plans and strategies.
I think we often fail to know the full extent of God's power to mend broken lives because we doubt and we disobey. I'm glad that Jesus is willing to put up with a wicked and perverse generation.
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