Romans 11:36 – For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

All the words relating to Him consist of a single syllable. A child just learning to read could easily spell them out. But who shall exhaust their complete meaning? First, it is all of Him: This plan came from God. It wasn’t man’s idea. We didn’t say, “I’ve offended God and have to find a way back to Him. Let’s work on a plan to come back to God.” In our spiritual indifference and death we didn’t care about a plan, and even if we did care we aren’t smart enough or wise enough to make one. It is all of Him. Next, it is all through Him: Even if we had the plan, we couldn’t make it happen. We couldn’t free ourselves from this prison of sin and self. It could only happen through Him, and the great work of Jesus on our behalf is the through Him that brings salvation. Finally, it is all to Him: It’s not for me, it’s not for you, it’s all to Him. It is to the praise of the glory of His grace (Ephesians 1:6). It’s for His pleasure that we are created, and we find our fulfillment in bringing Him glory and honor. To whom be glory forever: The fact that Paul can’t figure out God makes him glorify God all the more. When we understand some of the greatness of God, we worship Him all the more passionately.

Challenge:

Once you come to grips with the fact that everything is about God and not about you, that is when you find yourself in complete and total surrender to Him. Whether or not you give God glory does not change the fact that He is worthy of all glory. You rob the Lord of glory when you take the credit for what happens in your life. Do not get me wrong, you are capable of doing amazing things. But God is the one who enables you to accomplish the things. The challenge I have for you this week is to give God glory whenever something amazing happens as a result of your efforts or the use of your talents. For example, be especially supportive toward that co-worker who is having marital issues and let them know you are praying for them. When their relationship improves be sure to thank God for giving you the opportunity to take part in His solution for their marriage. I have been reminded several times over the past weeks of how short our time is here on this earth. Live each day to its fullest potential and put yourself out there to be used by the Lord. Your life will be enriched and your Lord will be greatly glorified in the process. God bless you.