I have often heard it said, we limit God by placing Him in a box. The box can be referred to as our way of thinking, our ministry, or simply our mortal bodies. I like The Message translation in II Corinthians 4:7-12 as it reads, If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. As it is, there’s not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. What they did to Jesus, they do to us—trial and torture, mockery and murder; what Jesus did among them, he does in us—he lives! Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus’ sake, which makes Jesus’ life all the more evident in us. While we’re going through the worst, you’re getting in on the best!

When we are born again, our lives take on a whole new sense of direction and purpose. We no longer live for ourselves but for the One Who gave us the reason to keep on living. Not to just endure ‘life’ as the world knows it, but to engage in daily participation and devotion with The Almighty; The Only One who can take a devastating situation and turn it completely around for His glory. No other god comes close to that miraculous power and ability.

With that being said, I wonder how much worth we place on the contents of the box we possess? Are we cautious or protective of dispensing it too soon or do we withhold its value from being shared with others for fear of rejection, intimidation or lack of desire or passion? Luke 7:36-50 portrays the deepest of affection for an individual, other than Christ’s sacrificial love for us by His death on the cross. Here, this woman spares no expense in expressing her devotion to Jesus. From the time He arrives, she drenches His feet with her tears unceasingly and uses the locks of her hair to gently yet carefully absorb each and every part.

What are we waiting for? The perfect opportunity? The exact moment in time when God audibly speaks our name? He desires that the box be broken so that the oil may flow excessively. This is the act of pure worship before God. He longs to both empty us of ourselves and at the same time, flow from us in waves of healing and deliverance. Not just for us but for those He has called us to.

He is speaking, and He is saying, “Trust Me. I know your deepest affections and hidden desires concerning what matters most to you and I anticipate your most valuable possession as you lavishly pour it out upon Me!”

Selah!>

Jennifer Wiley is the leader of Abundant Life’s band (UN)COMMON. We sat down with her to find out a little more about the band and what goes on in the music ministry department! Check out our question and answer section with Jen and then let us know what you think!

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