Immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. This part of the Story reminded me that I often underestimate what my God is capable of—I ask too small—especially when it is His reputation at stake. But He wants my extravagant requests. Elijah knew that God could do more than just light the spark; He could send the fire that would consume it all. Elijah asked and God met Elijah there. 

For weeks, I’ve been praying for more of Jesus’ love—to experience it, to be filled with it, to overflow with it toward others. For weeks, we’ve been studying Jesus in the Gospel of Mark and I’m amazed that the crucifixion was only part of Jesus’ suffering. The flesh of Jesus endured constant jostling by the smelliest, dirtiest, nastiest people in the land (so much so that he didn’t know he was touched by a woman who had been vaginally bleeding for 12 years); suddenly, I realize how much I hate to be touched! I don’t even like to be bumped around by people I married and gave birth to and who have showered every day! And I’m claustrophobic!