I have been absolutely mesmerized by the recent pictures of the Volcanic eruptions in Hawaii. How often do we think about the power beneath every step we take each day? The Earth’s Outer core is liquid rock, moving freely beneath us each day, while its innermost core is solid, composed of an iron-nickel alloy (Wikipedia). I never thought about it until those amazing pictures of the Eruption in Hawaii recently forced my mind to take stock. I looked up facts on the Earth’s Core, on Volcanoes, etc. I just couldn’t get over the immensity of what I was seeing.
This all made me think of what the Bible says in Philippians 2:12-13
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Oswald Chambers commented on this passage by saying this:
With focused attention and great care, you have to “work out” what God “works in” you— not work to accomplish or earn “your own salvation,” but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. (From My Utmost for His Highest Updated Edition)
There is power in every believer in Jesus Christ. God is at work in us both to have the “want to” and the “ability to” accomplish His will on this earth. There is a yielding to God’s leading that takes place. I watched with amazement as the Lava from the Volcano just went wherever it found a place to flow. It created rivers of molten rock throughout communities, making its way to the Sea. There was no stopping it, no stemming the flow, no diverting of the pathway. It was impossible to do anything but watch in awe and trembling, as the Eruption went on for weeks.
God is at work within each of us, seeking to make us an unstoppable force for His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is being built by God through us. What an amazing privilege and honor to be a part of His Eternal Plan. Sit before this precious and all-powerful God today and praise Him for both the “want to” and the “ability to,” do His will. He is able and will make a way where there seems to be no way, in and through each of us.
