What Kills You Makes You Stronger预览

IMAGINARY STRENGTH

The problem with our own strengths and plans is that we cannot imagine that they might not work. I mean, there is no possible scenario where I can even return one tennis ball served by Novak Djokovic. His training, experience, and talent are more than enough. End of story. King Amaziah felt the same way about his 7,500 pounds of silver (2 Chronicles 25).

I can almost relate to the skepticism in Amaziah’s reaction. “Amaziah asked the man of God, ‘But what about all that silver I paid to hire the army of Israel?’” (2 Chronicles 25:9, NLT). An experienced army with the added motivation of a hefty payout was more than enough. There was no possible scenario where Amaziah’s plan would not work out. Until we understand God’s imagination at work in our lives.

King Amaziah could not imagine a better outcome than what his 7,500 pounds of silver could buy. The limits to his imagination were defined by his limited imagination of God. So the prophet gave him some perspective on his imaginary strength. “The man of God replied, ‘The Lord is able to give you much more than this!’” (2 Chronicles 25:9, NLT). Is this not the root of our weakness? Our little weak imaginations stand in the way of the true strength we have available in Christ.

The bible reminds us of our imagination problem on many occasions. Did you know that Paul who wrote most of the New Testament had a panic attack each time he had to preach? “I came to you in weakness - timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain” (1 Corinthians 2:3-4, NLT). The only thing that brought forth the brilliant works of Paul was his trust in God’s imagination. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT).

Do you believe that your current plans will bring about the best possible outcome? Do you think that your carefully planned initiatives may actually put you in a weak position? How can you allow God’s imagination to bring more powerful results in your life?

Let us expand our imaginations beyond our own strengths. Let us open our hearts to everything God is imagining for our lives. “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, NLT).