You desire that which exceeds my humble powers, but I trust in
You desire that which exceeds my humble powers, but I trust in the compassion and mercy of the All-powerful God.
Hear the steadfast words of the martyr, Saint Stephen, who spoke in his hour of trial: “You desire that which exceeds my humble powers, but I trust in the compassion and mercy of the All-powerful God.” These words were uttered not in ease or comfort, but beneath the shadow of death, when stones were already raised against him. In them, we see the heart of faith: the recognition of human frailty, joined with the unshakable confidence that divine mercy is greater than all weakness.
For what does it mean to say, “You desire that which exceeds my humble powers”? It is the confession of man’s limitation, the admission that mortal strength and wisdom can only reach so far. Many, when asked to do the impossible, despair and surrender. But Stephen, though acknowledging his smallness, did not falter—he lifted his gaze beyond himself, beyond men, to the throne of the All-powerful God. This is the first lesson of his words: that greatness is not found in denying weakness, but in placing one’s weakness into the hands of the Eternal.
Consider the ancient story of Moses, who trembled when God commanded him to lead Israel out of Egypt. “I am slow of speech,” he protested, confessing that the task exceeded his power. Yet God strengthened him, and through faith, Moses became the voice of freedom and the bringer of law. Here, as with Stephen, we see that what is impossible to man becomes possible when joined with divine strength. The mortal admits his insufficiency, but the immortal supplies all that is lacking.
Stephen’s trust was not blind. It was born of knowing that the nature of God is not cruelty, but compassion; not wrath alone, but mercy. When he entrusted himself to the Almighty, he was not appealing to a tyrant’s favor, but to the loving-kindness of the Creator who sustains all things. Even as stones struck him, Stephen prayed not for vengeance but for forgiveness upon his persecutors. This is the highest trust—that even in suffering and death, the mercy of God is greater than the malice of men.
O seekers of truth, learn from this: do not measure your worth by your own strength alone. The world may demand tasks too great for you, burdens that weigh more than your shoulders can bear. Yet remember Stephen, who admitted his weakness but did not despair. Instead, he anchored himself in the eternal mercy of God. So too must you, in times of trial, lift your eyes above the storm to the One whose compassion never fails.
History bears witness that those who trust beyond themselves often accomplish what seemed impossible. Joan of Arc, a peasant girl with no training in war, claimed the guidance of heaven and delivered France from despair. Martin Luther King Jr., armed not with armies but with faith, confronted hatred with love and shook the conscience of nations. Like Stephen, they faced tasks beyond their power, yet by entrusting themselves to divine mercy, they rose to greatness.
Therefore, let this lesson guide you: when life asks of you more than you can give, do not flee, nor sink into despair. Confess your weakness with humility, but do not stop there—anchor yourself in faith, in compassion, in mercy greater than your own. Take courage, act with love, and endure with trust. For though your powers be small, the strength of the All-powerful God is without end.
Thus, the words of Saint Stephen resound across the ages: human weakness is not the end, but the doorway through which divine power enters. Admit what you cannot do, but trust in Him who can do all things. In this lies the path to courage, to endurance, and to peace.
LANguyen Lan Anh
The idea that we desire more than what we are capable of, yet trust in God's mercy, speaks to a deep spiritual humility. But how do we make sense of this in a world where people are encouraged to push their limits and go beyond what they think is possible? Does this quote suggest that there’s a limit to human striving, or is it more about having the humility to trust in God’s guidance along the way?
NLDoan Ngoc Linh
Saint Stephen’s words are a beautiful expression of faith in God’s compassion and power. But is it possible that placing too much trust in divine mercy might lead some to avoid taking responsibility for their actions or desires? How do we strike the right balance between trusting God’s plan and taking ownership of our own efforts and ambitions? This quote raises questions about the dynamic between human action and divine grace.
TNThao Nguyen
This quote seems to illustrate the deep relationship between human effort and divine intervention. There’s something profound about acknowledging our own shortcomings while trusting in God’s omnipotence. But is this view always helpful? For some, does it risk excusing lack of personal effort in the name of divine mercy? How do we maintain a healthy balance between striving for what we desire and placing our trust in a higher power’s plan?
LTlinh Trieu
I find this quote very comforting in its recognition of human frailty and the solace found in divine mercy. But I wonder—when we trust in God’s mercy, does it mean we stop trying to achieve what we desire, or does it empower us to keep pushing forward with the belief that the outcome is in His hands? Can there be peace in both accepting our limits and pursuing our dreams with faith?
LTLan Than
Saint Stephen’s words are a powerful reminder of humility and faith. It’s interesting that he acknowledges human limitations while expressing trust in God’s mercy. But does this mean that we shouldn’t strive for more or that we should always lean on God for everything? How do we balance the desire to achieve greatness with the understanding that some things are beyond our control? Is it possible to truly embrace both humility and ambition?