God Is a Capable Father
By Rick Warren
"Nothing is impossible for God." Luke 1:37 (GW)
God can handle any situation you give him. No problem is too tough for him. Nothing is beyond his ability. But the first thing you've got to do is bring it to him.
What decision are you facing this week? What mountain needs to be moved? Cancer? Bankruptcy? Your kids are having problems? Can't break a bad habit? “Nothing is impossible for God” (Luke 1:37 GW).
In Jeremiah 32:27 God says, “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (NIV). It's almost like God is laying down the gauntlet, saying, “I dare you. Think up a problem that I can't solve. Is anything too hard for me?”
Many children have said something like, “My daddy can do anything! My daddy can beat your daddy!” I really thought that was true of my father. But as I grew up, I began to have my eyes opened. I realized that when it came to my allowance, my dad had limited resources. When it came to advice, sometimes he was just guessing too. My guess was as good as his because he’s an imperfect father.
Ephesians 3:20 says, “God . . . is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes!” (TLB). I have a pretty vivid imagination. I can think up some pretty big dreams. I can set some high goals. But God essentially says, “My son, you think up the greatest thing you think I could do in your life and I can beat that. I can top that.” He is a capable Father.
What can you expect from your Father in heaven? “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). He has unlimited resources, unlimited energy, unlimited knowledge, unlimited time. He can meet all of your needs.
The Lord's Prayer gives us an example of that. It says that God, as our Father, provides three things: provision for today (“give us today our daily bread”); pardon for yesterday (“forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors”); protection for tomorrow (“lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”) (Matthew 6:11-13 NIV).
In today’s language, God might say, “I've got all the bases covered—present, past, future. Your present? I'll provide. Your past? You blew it, but it's okay; it's forgiven. Your future? Don't worry; don't fear.
“I'll take care of yesterday's failures, today's frustrations, and tomorrow's fears because I am a capable Father.”
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
