An All-Powerful God

When I started having seizures during graduate school, I ended up in the hospital several times. The episodes were unpredictable. Every morning, I feared that one would occur during the day. Going out in public was terrifying, but so was staying at home, alone. I had to rely on friends, and sometimes strangers, to help. I never felt so powerless. 

But even though I was helpless to change my situation, God was able to do what I could not. He was, and still is, all-powerful. If He could turn a shepherd’s staff into a snake and strike Moses’ arm with leprosy then wash it white as snow (Exodus 4), certainly He could heal the unusual brain activity I had been experiencing. But after seeing God’s miraculous powers, even Moses still doubted that God could work in his own life. He begged God: “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” (v. 13 NLT) 

Why do we tend to believe that God can do miracles until it comes to our own lives? Shouldn’t we expect it—even anticipate it? God showed Moses these miracles not for sake of the miracle itself. He was showing Moses—and later Pharaoh—that He was powerful enough to deliver His people from the bonds of slavery:

“I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment.” (Exodus 6:6)

In the New Testament, the disciples experienced doubt, even after seeing Jesus right in front of them. They were terrified when they saw Him walking on water to their boat during a storm. Peter still doubted even though Jesus enabled him to walk on the water, as well walking on the water Himself. “You have so little faith … Why did you doubt me?” (Matthew 14:31) Only after Jesus calmed the wind and the water did the disciples finally get it. He was all-powerful. They bowed down and worshiped Him, saying, “You really are the Son of God!” (v. 33).

When will we get it? God is all-powerful, even today. He can change an object into a snake. He controls the winds and waves. And He will take care of us in the middle of our circumstances. 

Although I had seen God provide healing miracles in my own life, He showed me His power in a different way during graduate school. In the years that followed my diagnosis, God provided for me in amazing ways. He always brought the right person along my path. He led me to the right doctors and medication. In the process, I had to learn to totally put my trust in Him. And as a result, my faith grew stronger than it ever had—truly, He is the Son of God! 

God was in control every step of the way—even when I didn’t recognize it. He is still guiding my journey. Aren’t you glad that we serve a God who is all-powerful?

~

Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.