And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. —2 Corinthians 9:8

When Erin and I first married, I remember thinking, “What does it take to be a good husband?” I had no experience in this. And I never had a class in high school or college on married life.

Then we had kids! And I remember thinking, “I want to be a good dad—but do I have what it takes?” I had a lot of self doubt, and no experience or training in this either.

And as I think back on those times the big question in my mind was, “Do I have what it takes?”

• In our marriage: “Do I have what it takes to go the distance?”
• In our family, “Will I be the dad I need to be?” Marriages and families have fallen on hard times.
• “And so,” I wondered, “do I have what it takes?”

Maybe you’ve asked yourself something similar. Whether it was at work or at home, “Do I have what it takes to be that spouse, parent, co-worker, _______ (fill-in the blank)?” All the questions and doubts that swirl around those most important relationships in life.

What I’ve discovered since then is that I was asking the wrong question.

What I’ve discovered since then is that I was asking the wrong question. No one has it all together, and no one knows the outcome of every situation. At the core of each of my questions, was “I”. Watch this: “Can I…” “Do I…” “Should I…?” These are all the wrong questions.

There will be many things in my life that are beyond my capability and out of my control. So the better question is “Will I allow God to bring his favor into my life? Will I allow him to do what only he can do?” After all, he is the King and this is his world. Only he knows every possible variable and every outcome.

Paul the Apostle describes the key to experience God’s favor in our lives. He says:

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. —2 Corinthians 9:8

This is fascinating: Paul says that God is able to make his grace (all grace) come to you abundantly. God’s grace: that is his favor or blessings. Now watch the lavish way God does this:

“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things…” This is every area of your life. Professionally, personally, your family, your key relationships, God’s favor is there.

“at all times…” At every moment throughout your life. Even in (especially in) those times you feel like things are out of control. God is there, he is involved.

“having all that you need…” Your Heavenly Father will provide you with every resource you need, and…

“you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) Know that God is working out everything in your life together for good. Again, in every area: personal, professional, family, everything.

Starting with ourselves and our limitations is natural. But a life with God’s favor will require the supernatural. If you want to see God’s grace and blessings in your life, mindfully set your limitations and capabilities aside. Then say “God, I need your wisdom and guidance. You have the resources for all that I need in this life—and the life to come—so now help me to live in that reality. I am surrendering to you. I am yours today.“

Allow him to do what only he can do in your life. This is the beginning. This is going beyond the natural. This is supernatural.

Bill Herried is a pastor at CenterPoint Church in Tacoma, Washington and is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren. He has been the lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship in Tacoma since 2006. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon—and he loves a good biryani.

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