Empowered by the Spirit – Part 5

Key Scripture:

Job 26:13-14 – By His Spirit He adorned the heavens;
His hand pierced the fleeing serpent. ¹⁴ Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways,
And how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?”

It was early in the year 415 when St. Augustine, weary from his intense work on De Trinitate, one of his most profound theological endeavors, decided to take a walk along the beach. The sun shone brightly, and the fresh air offered a welcome reprieve from the mental strain of contemplating the mysteries of the Holy Trinity. As the waves rhythmically lapped the shore, Augustine’s attention was drawn to a young boy at the water’s edge, engrossed in his task. The child, with his freckled face and curls gleaming in the sunlight, busily ran back and forth between the ocean and a small hole in the sand, using a pink seashell to carry water.

Curious, Augustine called out, “What are you doing, my son?”

The boy paused, holding up the seashell with determined enthusiasm. “I’m trying to put this entire ocean into this tiny hole!” he exclaimed.

Augustine smiled at the child’s innocence and persistence. Kneeling beside him, he gently said, “But my child, you can never fit this vast, magnificent ocean into such a small hole.”

Without hesitation, the boy looked up and responded, “And you could never fully understand the mystery of the Holy Trinity.” In an instant, the boy vanished, leaving Augustine with a profound realization.

But the thunder of His power who can understand?

Over the past few days, I’ve been speaking passionately about the power of God, delving into the depths of scripture and sharing insights with conviction. But let me be clear: neither I, nor anyone else, can fully comprehend the extent of God’s power. Even the angels, who dwell in His presence for all eternity, are continually awestruck by His might, crying out, “Holy, Holy, Holy.” The full extent of God’s power is beyond our understanding, unfathomable to our finite minds. What I share in these posts are merely the “edges of His ways,” the faintest whispers of His infinite power.

So today, I invite you to join me in worshipping His Majesty, the Omnipotent God. The One who “stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7). To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Let’s Pray: Lord God Almighty, we do not presume to know the fullness of Your power, but we are blessed to catch even a fleeting glimpse of it. This week, may we be carried and strengthened by the power of Your Holy Spirit in our lives. Help us to remember that You are All-Powerful, and there is nothing You cannot do. Let us know that You are for us, and if You are for us, who can be against us? Thank You for watching over us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.