Able: The Unfailing Power of God in Human Weakness

When we encounter the word "able" in Scripture, we discover not merely human potential, but the limitless power of the Almighty God who transcends every boundary and overcomes every impossibility through His sovereign will and perfect love.

The Divine Nature of God's Ability

The term able in Scripture signifies more than mere capability—it reveals the divine power of God to act decisively in human affairs, to fulfill His promises, and to overcome all limitations. Rooted in His nature as the omnipotent Creator, God's ability is absolute, unchanging, and unbound by time, circumstance, or human weakness. It is not merely about strength but about sovereign authority and perfect will. While human ability is finite and fragile, God's ability is infinite and unwavering. His power is not only sufficient but superabundant, working not only for us but in us through the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to endure, overcome, and accomplish what is humanly impossible. To say "God is able" is to declare that no situation is beyond His reach, no heart too hard, no obstacle too great.

God's Omnipotence and Human Faith

The focus is not on our limited ability, but on God's omnipotence—His all-powerfulness to fulfill His will (Acts 4:27–28). When the three Hebrew men faced the fiery furnace, the king mocked, "What god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" (Dan 3:15). They responded with unwavering faith: "The God we serve is able to deliver us… but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods" (Dan 3:17–18). Their commitment turned impossibility into divine opportunity, compelling even pagan rulers to acknowledge God's supremacy (Dan 3:29).

Daniel echoed this truth when he emerged unharmed from the lions' den: "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths" (Dan 6:22). God is able to deliver, yet His purposes vary—some are rescued, others endure suffering (Heb 11:35–38). Deliverance flows from the Spirit's power and our cooperation: standing firm, refusing compromise, walking in bold faith, and forgoing revenge. As Paul declared, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him" (2 Tim 1:12). We commit our lives, ministries, and families to the One who holds all things.

Is my faith in God who is able?

Abundant Provision and Ultimate Authority

Abraham's faith grew stronger as he trusted God's promise, fully convinced "that God was able to do what He had promised" (Rom 4:21). Likewise, Christ "is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Heb 7:25). Jude affirms, "To the one who is able to keep you from falling and present you blameless before His glory—be glory forever" (Jud 1:24). Indeed, "what is impossible with man is possible with God" (Lk 19:26).

God is able to bless abundantly, meeting every need so we can give generously (2 Cor 9:8). This begins with sowing in faith, trusting that "with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Lk 6:38). Giving flows from love and obedience, partnering in building His Kingdom. As Paul prayed, "He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us" (Eph 3:20).

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 8:31). David, facing Goliath, declared, "The Lord will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Sam 17:37). Faith fixes its eyes on Jesus, not obstacles. We pray, believe, and surrender fully—"Not my will, but Yours be done" (Lk 22:42)—trusting that all things work for good for those who love God (Rom 8:28). This surrender is not passive resignation but active trust in a sovereign, faithful God who works all things according to His perfect plan.

Reflection and Application:

Am I trusting in God's ability even when circumstances seem impossible?
Do I believe God can use my surrender to bring glory to His name, regardless of the outcome?
Am I generous in sowing, confident that God will provide abundantly according to His promise?
Is my heart posture one of submission—seeking God's will above my own, even in difficulty?