Where Your Weakness Meets Divine Power

by Shane Harris

God does not call us to do inadequate things.  He calls us to do supernatural things that we are inadequate to do.  God does not look at a man based on His abilities.  He does not choose the most talented and skillful people to do His greatest work.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

He can use our talents, and we should be faithful with the areas of strength God gives us.  But there is a place where talent will never take you in the kingdom of God. Supernatural works require supernatural power that lay outside the abilities of man.  If we only step out into what we have the ability to do, we will never know what it is like to walk in God’s divine power.  Sure, it may be safe to stay within the confines of our abilities. We may even have a measure of success.  But we will not be successful in the realm of the kingdom.

The kingdom of God operates on a different plane than this world.  It is here, but to activate its release around us, we must step outside the constraints of our talents, success, fears and failures….   We must find ourselves in an endeavor that we are completely inadequate to accomplish except by the intervention of Gods divine power.  We must be willing to ride what appears to be the edge of absolute failure.  To walk outside of our abilities is like walking on a razor thin edge.  But what an exciting edge it is.

When we hear the voice of God calling us to do something we think impossible.  We need to take steps that commit us to the point of no return.  That places us outside our ability to reach back into our comfort zone easily.  This is the place God shows up.  He will not show up if we leave ourselves a route of escape back to safety.

“Come,” He said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:29-31

Did Peter fail when he began to sink?  I don’t think so. The ones who failed in that moment were the ones cowering in the boat.  At least he walked on water, if only for a few steps.  At least Peter felt the surge of divine power carrying him beyond his abilities, even if it was for just a few moments.  Maybe it did not go quite like Peter planned, but he did walk on water.

Have you heard God whispering? Has He told you something you feel inadequate to do?  Take some steps today to do it.  Don’t wait –  just start to walk.  You will find God out there where your weakness meets divine power.

Shane Harris has pastored several churches in Texas and New York City. He spent several years evangelizing and ministering on the streets of NYC. Currently, he and his family reside and minister in Austin, TX.  He writes the Catalyst 7 Blog, which features articles on releasing God’s power.