Day 4 : God is Omnipotent

'Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. - Jeremiah 32:17

God's omnipotence and His sovereignty are closely aligned. Jen Wilkin explains the difference this way, "While God's omnipotence asserts that there are no limits on his ability to act, God's sovereignty asserts that there are no limits on his authority to act." As the psalmist says, He does all that He pleases. (Ps. 115:3) He has the power to speak and bring life into being. (Gen. 1) When the storm was about to overtake the disciples' boat on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus merely had to speak a word for the winds to cease and the sea to calm. Just like the disciples, we should marvel at God's omnipotence."Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?" (Mark 4:35-40)

God's omnipotence is good news because we also know that God is good, gracious, and just. He is not vindictive or capricious. He is not a tyrant who abuses His power. He uses His power in accordance with the fullness of His character and to accomplish His purpose. Thus, God cannot sin, lie, change his nature, or deny the demands of his holy character.

When the rich young ruler walked away from Jesus, his disciples asked, "Who can be saved?" Jesus replied, "What is impossible with man is possible with God." (Luke 18:27) If salvation were up to us, it would be impossible. Salvation is possible with God. He has the power to break the chains of sin and open our eyes to the goodness of God. In the greatest act of humility, the all-powerful one became like us and laid down His life on the cross. God's power was displayed not only in the humility of the cross but the victory of the resurrection. The Risen Jesus has the power to save every sinner who comes to Him in repentance and faith. Take a minute to thank God if that is true in your life.

God's power is also at work in our sanctification. Paul tells us that God is at work within us, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12-13). God's omnipotence should encourage us to persevere when we feel defeated or tired in our pursuit of holiness. Remember and be encouraged today by "the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. (Eph. 2:18-19)

Prayer

Almighty God, you can do all things, and you do all things well. You are all-powerful and accomplish everything according to your will. Thank you that you use your power to accomplish your good and perfect will in my life. Help me to remember that nothing is too hard for you—whether it be seeing my friend come to faith in Christ or putting sin to death in my life. I praise you that you saved me by laying down your life and rising from the dead. I rejoice that the same power that rose you from the dead is at work in me. Help to live in light of this gracious gift today.