Capacity

​When we look at a glass to fill it we stop pouring before the water reaches the top of the cylinder.  When we stand on the staircase and contemplate jumping (for those of us who have not yet attained full maturity), we only leap as far as we believe our legs are able to sustain the impact of landing without incurring injury. When we drive an automobile, we know what speeds to go to operate the vehicle safely.  When given a task by God, we measure what we will do by what we determine is our capacity.  And immediately we superimpose our notion of our capability upon our Creator.

Once we become children of God, we must rearrange what we view is possible to allow for God to do what He wills.  We determine capacity when we say “no” to God.  The Bible nowhere tells us only to do what we think we can.  Rather, it reminds us repeatedly of God’s power and then illustrates what His power is capable of accomplishing.  Many of us store up treasures so that life will be luxurious when we are old because we don’t really believe God will see us through.  Consequently, He cannot use us to reach our needy neighbors.  Our ability to minister is determined by how we define capacity.  
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Am I suggesting you forgo food because Jesus is the only nourishment you need? No—unless God specifically calls you to go hungry for a season.  Nor should you boycott doctors for a sick daughter trusting that God will heal her. But are you underestimating His ability? Whose strength are you living on? Don’t define your capacity by common sense—to do so deifies the mind.  Define it by faith in the One for Whom awesome is an inadequate descriptor. “Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). 
 
Meditation
Ephesians 3:20-21--Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
 
Inspiration
Never forget that our capacity in spiritual matters is measured by the promises of God.  Is God able to fulfil His promises?  Our answer depends on whether we have received the Holy Spirit.—Oswald Chambers in Run Today’s Race
 
©2002Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box. Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)