God is Able

Since the storms of April 27, 2011, God has taught me some amazing things. First among them is that God is able to do exceedingly more than I can ever imagine. Isn’t that part of a Bible verse? Yes, it is. It’s in Ephesians 3:20. I have seen and felt the power of God work in our congregation at Williams and in the people of this community. I’ll be honest, I had no idea all of this could happen. Our state and our community were hit by a historic tornado. I have never personally witnessed anything like the devastation here. It didn’t matter if you lived in a tent or a mobile home or a brick house, that storm was powerful enough to knock it all down and blow it all away.
Some of the people who were affected by the storm are my dear friends. Some were neighbors and acquaintances. Others were folks I have never met before. Somehow, we all became one in the days after the storm. On the morning after, when over 300 people came to the church to pray and go to work, I began to see the power of God inside us.
That storm was terrible and some of the stories I know about personally, haunt me. I literally have had bad dreams about them and often a sense of helplessness and of being overwhelmed. But something else occurred too. Again, I’ll be honest. I had no idea all of this could happen. People from all parts of our country came (and continue to come) to stand with us. I had a feeling that we could help clear debris. We did. We have been to over 75 worksites clearing debris and offering help. I had a feeling we could offer shelter, food and supplies. We did. We helped hundreds and hundreds. I have a huge binder on my desk with most of their names.
Now, we are building houses. My personal goal for the church is 12. With volunteers, funding, and God’s grace, we can do it.
The thing I have learned the most from all of this is the “Able-ity” of God to get things done. God is bringing good out of bad. God is using anyone willing to be God’s instrument. God is teaching us that God is still in control.
I have no idea where all this will lead. Whatever happens, I feel strong. I am tired and often frustrated and confused. This is hard stuff. But God can supply all our needs. God can build bridges and houses. God is able. God is able to do exceedingly more than we can even imagine.