Much More Than This

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

Just over a week ago, we found ourselves in a once-familiar situation: vehicle problems that threatened to leave us either stranded, "out of business", or ridiculously indebted. Early in our ministry, this was our almost-daily condition. Breakdowns were common, finances were always lacking, and we were keenly aware that our lifestyle was at best precarious... In recent years, however, the Lord has blessed us with more reliable transportation, while the enemy has chosen to attack on different fronts.

So, when our alternator went out last week, and a little checking around brought us to the reality that just a replacement part was going to cost several times more than what we had in the bank, we were asking that familiar question, "What now?"

We managed to limp the bus into El Paso, Texas, which we were jokingly informed is "the nicest city in Mexico". It is a city to which Jeremiah 29:11 had never been before. We found ourselves literally "in the desert". Interesting, since that's what Jeff has been preaching on lately...!

We did not know a single person in El Paso. Jeff had spoken on the phone once with a pastor who had agreed to let us park the bus in his church parking lot overnight while we were in town for an evening conference. "Overnight" has turned into "over a week" at this point, and we are incredibly grateful to this pastor and his church for allowing us to be here!

So first we began to commiserate - silly waste of time. And then we began to pray. Immediately, the Lord began to work! God's provision is amazing, and I will detail that at some point, but there is kind of an obscure biblical story that was pointed out to me in the beginning of this process that I want to share with you.

Amaziah, son of Joash, has become the king of Judah. The Bible says, "Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight, but not wholeheartedly." (2 Chronicles 25:2) This is significant in and of itself, but that is a thought for another day.

What happens is that Amaziah decides to go to war, and because he is not satisfied with the number of his troops, he decides to go over to Israel and hire some more soldiers. God sends a messenger to Amaziah to tell him to send the hired troops home, or else Amaziah will be defeated in battle. Amaziah asks the very practical question, "But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?" (2 Chronicles 25:9a)

Amaziah is getting ready for battle. He is the king - the leader of many people. Amaziah is concerned about the money, but God is concerned about his heart. God is wanting to teach Amaziah to trust Him instead of trusting in numbers. But Amaziah has already paid out all this money, and he's afraid that it's irresponsible of him to waste those funds.

The lesson God had for Amaziah that day, He's been teaching me this week:
"The LORD is able to give you much more than this!" (2 Chronicles 25:9b)

We underestimate the God of the Universe, don't we? We know that He made everything, that He owns everything, that He is in control of everything... We say that we believe these things, and yet, how often do we, like Amaziah, second-guess the God we claim to trust? "But, God, what about...?"

God says, "Trust Me. I am able to give you much more than this!"

What is it you are holding onto today? What's your "back-up plan" if God doesn't come through the way you're expecting? Could it be that our "Plan B" is nothing but a show of faithlessness?

Maybe it's time to let go of our plans, and trust the One who said, "I know the plans I have for you..."

Just a thought...