The Power of All

A familiar passage for many of us and one often quoted as words of encouragement to those who are facing times of uncertainty. To me, this passage of Scripture is simple in its instruction yet profound in its application. Why? Because of that simple little three letter word ALL. There are many other ALL passages in Scripture that are equally as challenging in the way of life application, as this one is. Take James 1:2-4, which says, “to consider it ALL joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Or Mark 12:30, “and you shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, and with ALL your mind, and with ALL your strength.” Consider also Joshua 1:8 which says, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to ALL that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” WOW! These power packed ALL passages present quite the challenge to us as believers.However, if the truth were known, most of us will never know the power and promise of God because of this small little three letter word…ALL. Like the story of Ananias in Acts chapter 5, we hold back a little of ourselves, for ourselves to control. A little of our hearts so we can harbor malice, anger, and resentment like it was within our rights to do so. A little of our minds so we can entertain thoughts and beliefs that allow our flesh justification for it’s action. A little bit of our egos so we can glory in our service to Him as if God truly needs us to do His work. We act as if the all God is asking for is somehow a greedy or controlling request so we relinquish a little here, a little there depending on the size of our trust and God matches it with equal, if not greater amounts of Himself until He convinces us of His true intent. (Like He should have to) “That goodness and lovingkindness should follow us ALL the days of our lives.” That’s an ALL we don’t seem to have a problem with.When Christ became nothing, He gave ALL of Himself to the task of redeeming mankind. God asks nothing of us that He, Himself hasn’t willingly given to us. The cost, however, is the same for us as it was for Him, death to the flesh. ALL the flesh! As the refrain of a famous old hymn states, “Jesus paid it ALL, ALL to Him I owe.” Though we owe Him everything, He will not rip our life out of our hands. You must be willing to surrender ALL to Him but know this. When you do…you will receive ALL of Him in return.