Day 1: The God Who Calls the Stars by Name
Bible passage: Psalm 147:4–5; Jeremiah 10:12–13; Ephesians 1:17–21
Where We Begin
Today is Friday 29th of March 2019. Welcome to Day 1 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting! Over these three weeks we are going to look at who God is, one part of His character at a time. We begin with His power.
The psalmist looked up at the night sky and wrote this. “He counts the stars and calls them all by name.” Psalm 147:4 (NLT)
The All-Powerful God
Power Without Limit
On a clear night we can see a few thousand stars. There are more than anyone can number, and God has a name for every one. The psalm goes on to say that His power is absolute and His understanding is beyond comprehension (Psalm 147:5).
One of the names of God in the Old Testament is El Shaddai, God Almighty. There is nothing He cannot do, and nothing He does costs Him any effort. He is never tired, never stretched and never at a loss.
Power That Made Everything
Jeremiah contrasts the living God with idols that cannot speak or move. The Lord made the earth by His power and stretched out the heavens by His understanding. When He speaks, the heavens roar with rain. He sends the lightning and brings the wind out of His storehouses (Jeremiah 10:12–13).
The world we live in is not an accident. It exists because God spoke, and it carries on existing because He holds it.
Power That Is for Us
All of that could leave us feeling very small. Paul shows us the other side. He prays that the Ephesians will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for those who believe. It is the same mighty power, he says, that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him far above every ruler and authority (Ephesians 1:19–21).
The power that hung the stars and emptied the tomb is on our side. That is why Paul could say that he was able to do everything through Christ, who gave him strength (Philippians 4:13).
Bringing It to Him
Three Steps for Today
Look up. Take a few minutes to think about the size of what God has made. Thank Him for His power.
Name where you need it. Where do you long to see God’s power at work in your life just now? Tell Him plainly.
Bring your doubts as well. If you are finding it hard to believe that He can, or that He will, say so. He wants to hear your voice.
No problem you carry into this fast is too large for the God who names the stars.
Prayer for Today:
Almighty God, You made the heavens and the earth, and You call every star by name. Nothing is too hard for You. Thank You that Your power is at work for me. I bring You the things that feel too big for me today, and the doubts that go with them. Open my eyes to see how great You are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
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