Boundless Resources

What scares you? Makes you fearful? Money problems? Physical danger? A mean boss or a bully? Death? Persecution? There are lots of demons that attack us when and where we are weak. In our minds, our faith may seem strong, but in our hearts we fail to let that faith bolster us up when the questions overwhelm us. How can we overcome the fear that plagues us?

Of course the Word of God is always the answer. There we learn from the examples of others who were delivered by God from fearful circumstances. Like the children of Israel who were threatened on every side, but watched God deliver them over and over. We learn from the Psalms. Psalm 46:1 assures us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 27:1 gives us courage when it says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Have you claimed these truths on your knees before God?

Some of my favorite passages are the prayers of the apostle Paul. Knowing that someone is praying for us encourages us to trust, doesn’t it? And Paul knew just what to pray for when he lifted up his friends in prayer. To the Ephesians he wrote: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17, NIV). To the Philippians he wrote: “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding“ (Philippians 1:9, NLT). What an impact these prayers must have had on the Christians in those churches who were struggling in their faith. We can pray those prayers for those we know and love.

Here’s the verse that prompted this devotional. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians: “We pray that you will be strengthened from God’s boundless resources, so that you will find yourselves able to pass through any experience and endure it with courage” (Colossians 1:11, J. B. Phillips). “Boundless resources.” Not limited. Boundless. That’s where our strength lies. Not in our resources, but in God’s. There’s no need to fear when our source of faith is rooted there. Whatever comes, we can be courageous because of His unlimited provision.

Do you need to delve into God’s boundless resources today? Do you need to claim them for a loved one? Are you afraid that they will ever run out?