would we want the Lord to step in and
prevent us from making any mistakes?
(How utterly frustrating it would be
to be deprived of our free choice!) Or
would we want the Lord to force us to
do what is right? (How much would we
resist this kind of pressure?)
To say that the Lord has all power
to do what appears to be impossible, is
to say that the Lord has all power to do
what is good. Every shred of His energy
is focused upon the goal of happiness –
happiness for all, happiness forever. His
power has as its purpose the salvation
of everyone. (Apocalypse Explained
293) Its purpose is not to create a
disease-free world. Its purpose is not
to remove all pain from our lives. Its purpose is not even to guarantee that all
will go to heaven. Yes, providence does work toward these ends also, but only
as secondary to the main goal of human beings freely choosing to follow the
Lord by leading good lives.
So, the Lord’s power is limited – not by any outside forces (or even forces
from hell) – but by His own nature. His love is so strong that He cannot work
against it. He cannot work against it by forcing anyone into heaven. He cannot
work against it in any way at all. His power is the power to operate according
to the order mandated by His love. This power is unlimited. This power has all
possibilities for good within it. This power can do anything that will further
the Divine love.
This is why the Lord’s power could create life in Elizabeth, and then
Divine life in Mary. It was good for the Lord to be born. It was good for Him to
come into the world to save us. It was good for Him to take on a human form
and open the minds of people to see His salvation. The Lord’s power here is
infinite and absolute. It can do all things, all things which will lead to our freely
accepting His love, His heavenly life.
And as the purpose of this power is our salvation, it is the Lord’s intention
that we receive it in our lives. Our joy over the display of the Lord’s power at
Christmas time can inspire us to receive His heavenly life within our hearts.
For,
We cannot regenerate
ourselves. We cannot
save ourselves. We
cannot even change our
affections. “Without Me
you can do nothing.”
But with His help,
His power, we can
do all good things!
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
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