Have you ever put God in a box, shortened His reach, or denied His power? To be completely transparent, I have at times. There are many examples written throughout the Bible that seem to me as impossible by earthly standards, and yet it happened according to my document of authority, the Bible. Even though it has been chronicled in scripture, I still find certain things a little unbelievable. In the beginning with Creation, the parting of the Red Sea, David killing Goliath, to name a few. It’s almost as if the stories are too grand, too miraculous for our finite minds to fully grasp. But then, when I take a step back, I realize that these things happened because of an all-powerful God—who is still the same today. With these examples and so many more to look at, when it comes to my future, I tend to worry and stress over an unknown fate, not acknowledging an all-knowing, Sovereign God. This tendency to doubt God’s provision, even when I know He’s faithful, is something I wrestle with often. I have seen things happen right in front of me that I know, with all that I am, is from the hand of God Almighty, but still, I seem to doubt. The paradox here is that while God has proven Himself countless times, I still allow worry to creep in. I desire the power of God to overflow me, and yet at times I waver. I want to see the lame walk, the dumb talk, blind eyes opened. I want the faith to walk on water, to stand and face the fiery furnace believing that Jesus will be in there with me. I want the trust to be thrown into the lion’s den knowing that God will shut their mouths. I want all these things and so much more. In moments like these, I remind myself that faith is not just about seeking the extraordinary but trusting in God’s presence in the ordinary as well. I want the faith that is written about in *Matthew 17:20… for I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have [living] faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and [if it is God’s will] it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.* Those words strike me to the core of who I am: “nothing will be impossible for you.” And yet, there have been times in my life when my faith is almost non-existent. Faith, when tested, can reveal areas where I’ve allowed doubt to take root. God knows how desperately I need Him and want to be used by Him. My heart’s desire is to be able to willingly lay down my life and have Jesus live through me, but at times I feel at such a distance from God that I don’t know how that can happen. It’s a wrestle we all experience at some point in our walk with Him. The simple question that we all need to answer for ourselves is, is our God sovereign? God’s sovereignty is a natural consequence of His omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. Believing and trusting that God is the supreme authority and all things are under His control is crucial as a Christian. In moments of uncertainty, this truth is the anchor that keeps me grounded. I am encouraged by what is written in *1 Corinthians 2:9: “But just as it is written [in Scripture], ‘Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].’”* God’s plans for us are beyond what we can see or imagine, and they are always for our good. My faith is in the Gospel, it is in the fact that Jesus came to earth, lived, died for me, and rose again in the fulfillment of the scriptures. This foundational truth is the reason I have any faith at all—it’s not about my ability but His power. I like what Charles Spurgeon said, “Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the windows which hope has opened.” It is the love of God and the hope found in Christ that strengthens my faith to look beyond the present challenges. Closing thought, if you have put God in a box, it is time to let Him out and wait expectantly to see what He is going to do in your life. God is still in the business of doing the impossible. For me, I want my faith to not only be my testimony but my legacy. Who else is with me?

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.