South Carolina got a very real picture of a firehose this past week. I have seen weather phenomena spectacular enough to take pictures of, to write about, to post on Facebook…beautiful sunsets, strange cloud formations, trees bent over by strong wind. But I have never seen anything like this. If God is in control, and He is, then He has a reason for this piece of His plan. I’m sure individuals who have had great loss this week have reason to wonder what it could possibly be. I simply know that the state as a whole has responded with grace and courage.
This image of the blast of water caused me to think about the power of God. Could there have been any clearer picture of complete and utter control? It completely changes the impact of this verse for me: “At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. “ (Mark 13:26) And, as believers, we have access to that! I’ll let the Word speak for itself.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) Does that phrase “overflow with hope” seem a little fuller to you now?
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms….” (Ephesians 1:18-20)
And to make sure we remember we bring nothing to the table…”But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) We have been knocked off our feet this week. But God’s glory is best shown when we are at our weakest.
