And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

I have been thinking a lot about the word “able”. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “able” with three different aspects.

Able: having the necessary power, skill, time, resources or opportunity to do something.

Able: Having the freedom or opportunity.

Able: Having a quality or nature that makes something possible.

The Greek word often used in the New Testament about God’s ability or “ableness” is dunamai. It means to be able, have power. It is a word that combines power and willingness, inherent strength and action.

Our God fulfills all of these. As I focused on His ability, my faith began to soar! If He created the universe, he definitely has the necessary power to make all grace abound toward me, so that having all sufficiency in all things I may abound to the every good work He desires me to do. It is hard to describe the rest that entered my soul when these thoughts began to click. When I took my eyes off my ability and put them on Him, it was easier to believe. He made the promise, not me; so it is up to Him to fulfill it. The question I needed to settle was not only He capable, but was He willing to do it for me?

Paul states it clearly “God is able”…not Martha is able! There are so many scriptures that talk about God’s ability. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us. Ephesians 3:20. I had to ask myself, am I trusting and believing that his power is actually at work in me? Or in those around me? Bringing the change we/they are praying for? Oh my friends, He is a God who is so able.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy. Jude 1:24. What a promise! If we rely on Him and His ability, He can keep us from stumbling (or falling away, in some translations)–if we are willing. Combine it with Philippians 1:6: being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Oh my friends, release your faith today to trust even more in His ability.

We often struggle in trusting Him because we view it through our own inadequacies. David did not view Goliath like the rest of the Israelites, because he knew who His God was. He had proved him with the lion and the bear attacks. He came on the scene with a faith in God that the others did not walk in. God wants us to enter scenarios with and for others that show forth His power and might. But unless we chose to trust His ability for ourselves, we limit Him. This revelation is not new, (and I know I will need a reminder); but our God really is able to equip His people to do the work He chooses for them. We must be careful to guard our heart as Proverbs 4:23 encourages us. The Message translation makes it clear. Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead, ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust. We must guard our heart from doubt and unbelief. Take the time to search the scriptures when doubt tries to roar or sneak in.

He is able but you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:20. We do our part, and He does His part. If you have been struggling to trust, believe and release your faith take heart. Turn to Him and His ability knowing that He is able. You are valuable in His Kingdom plan. Do not settle for less.

Father, I ask that you release this revelation in the hearts of those that read these words today. Help them see you, your promises, and your power in new measure for their own lives. I thank you for helping us grow in trusting you and also building up our own holy faith. In Jesus’ Name, amen.