God’s Call Includes God’s Power
"As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me." (Ezekiel 2:2)
How can God command what we cannot do?
Picture Ezekiel flat on his face. He had just seen God's blazing glory—wheels within wheels, living creatures, and the throne of the Almighty. The vision knocked him down completely. He couldn't move. He couldn't speak. The holy God's presence left him powerless.
Then God speaks: "Son of man, stand on your feet and I will speak to you" (Ezekiel 2:1).
Stand up? How could he? Ezekiel was overwhelmed by God's holiness. His strength was gone. His legs wouldn't work. The command seemed impossible.
But notice what happens next. As God spoke the command, "the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet." God didn't wait for Ezekiel to muster up strength. He didn't give him time to try harder. The same breath that carried the command also carried the power to obey it.
This is how God works. He commands and then enables. His words don't just tell us what to do - they give us power to do it.
Think about creation. God said, "Let there be light," and there was light (Genesis 1:3). His word didn't just describe what should be done, it made it happen. The same divine power that spoke worlds into being speaks life into dead hearts and strength into weak souls.
This should comfort every Christian who feels overwhelmed by God's commands. Love your enemies? Forgive those who hurt you? Trust Him in trials? Put sin to death? All of this can feel impossible. Like Ezekiel, we don't have what it takes.
But God never gives commands without grace to obey them. When Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, He didn't wait for Lazarus to find strength to live – he was dead. The same voice that said "Come out" gave Lazarus life to respond (John 11:43-44).
This is the gospel in action. God doesn't simply command His children to believe and then leave them to figure out how. He grants the very faith He requires (Ephesians 2:8). He doesn't tell us to walk in holiness while we stumble in darkness and then leave us to figure out how. He gives His Spirit to empower each step.
Are you battling sin that seems too strong? His call to holiness includes power to overcome. Feeling weak in your witness? His Great Commission carries His presence to make it possible.
Every divine command reveals God's intention to work in you, not just through you. He raises you up not because you deserve it, but because His word carries creative power. When God speaks, things happen. When He calls, He enables the response.
Remember, God's desire for you is not heavy burdens but a gracious invitation. Every "stand up" comes with the Spirit's power to rise. Every call to follow comes with strength for the journey. What He requires, He also provides.
Father, You are the God who brings about everything you desire. Forgive me for trying to obey Your commands in my own strength. Thank You for the Spirit's power to respond. Cause me to trust that what You command, You will also enable. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Song: Thank You Jesus