The story is told of a mouse and an elephant who were traveling together. One day, after crossing a bridge over a deep ravine, the mouse exclaimed, “Boy, we really shook that old bridge!”
This little story beautifully illustrates the Christian’s relationship to the heavenly Father. We can do amazing things through the power that works within us. In fact, the apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Ph. 4:13). Looking at life through faith’s vision, we understand that we work together with God (2 Cor. 6:1). He is the moving force that gets the job done while we are like the little mouse who feels the impact of His power working through us. It is remarkable to consider that God has chosen human beings, earthen vessels, to accomplish His work and, in doing so, has brought abundant glory to Himself and His message (2 Cor. 4:7). A humble, obedient Christian is a conduit through whom God’s power is magnified (Eph. 3:20-21).
God’s power works in us through His word (Heb. 4:12). The word of God must conquer the mind. Paul reminds us that every thought must be “taken captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). A change in thinking becomes a change in living (Mt. 12:33-37). The old man of sin must be replaced by the “new self who is being renewed…according to the image of the One who created him…” (Col. 3:10).
God’s power also operates in us through His providence (Rm. 8:28). God is with us as we do His work (Mt. 28:20). He hears and answers the prayers of His servants (Jas. 1:5-8; 1 Jn. 3:21-22). The question is not about God’s ability to help us carry out His work. The question is about our willingness to make Him our constant traveling companion. Many are the chasms and high are the obstacles that threaten to undo us in our daily walk with God. But, He is able if we are willing (Ph. 2:13). In carrying out our mission, we are God’s fellow workers. It is not the one who plants the seed nor the one who waters the seed who is anything, “but God who causes the growth” (1 Cor. 3:7-9). Ultimately, the impact of our lives will be determined by whether or not we allowed God to work through us.
–Glen Elliott–