The Power of God

May 29, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  2 Corinthians 12:10

 

If God is all-powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen in His world?

 

How would your life change if you truly leaned on and trusted God’s goodness and power?

 

Have you experienced the power of God in your life?

 

     When you are strong in your abilities, you are tempted to do God’s work on your own – sadly, that leads to sinful pride. However,  when you are weak, and you allow God to fill you with His power, then you are stronger than you could ever be on your own.

 

     Since we are locked into time, unable to see beyond today, we cannot know the reasons for everything that happens. As a result, we’re often forced to choose between anger and trust.  We sin when we angrily ask, “If God is in control, how could He let this happen?”  “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2 NIV God’s power is a strong, prevailing force that cannot be withstood by His enemies.

 

God uses “cracked pots” to minister: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all –surpassing power is from God and not from us” 2 Corinthians 4:7.  God uses people just like you and me to share His Good News message. Are you willing to allow yourself to be used of Him? The light and power that shines within you as a Christ-follower – is held in a perishable container - your weak body. God’s focus is not on this perishable container but on its priceless contents. Isn’t it amazing that such a valuable message of salvation has been entrusted to us frail and fallible human beings?

 

God leads through humility: “but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:7.  In God’s desire to have a relationship with you, He doesn’t boss you around, but serves you. Without ceasing to be God, Jesus became a human being. He did not give up His deity to become human, but set aside the right to His glory. In submission to His Father, He limited His power and knowledge as He voluntarily assumed a human body and human nature, but making His humanity unique was His freedom from sin. As He humbled Himself in serving us, Jesus showed the very character of God.

 

God sacrifices Himself: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45.  His death released you from your slavery to sin. That is why Christ died. He would have willingly sacrificed everything even if you were the only person ever born. He gladly accepts anyone who comes to Him in faith.

 

God is at work in the invisible: “You children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.  God does not always announce His power with a fireworks display or other impressive signs and wonders. But where life matters the absolute most - in the spirit realm - God has already won and assures you of the victory you need to live with Him forever. Evil is frightening and obviously much stronger than you are. However, God is stronger yet, and will one day conquer all evil.

God Will…

 

Strengthen you – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak,” Isaiah 40:29 

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

 

Give you victory – “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4

 

Protect you – “You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” Psalm 18:35

 

     You can live with confidence because God’s strength will protect and sustain you in all circumstances.

 

Father God,

     I need Your power in my life right now, and I’m grateful that You reveal Your might in such surprising and wonderful ways. Help me to use the power You give me each day, to share Your love and Good News with others. Remind me today that You are near. In Jesus’name. Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

May it be said when the sun sets on my life that many of my dreams came true, I was important in the lives of others and I consistently and faithfully served Christ.  In the end, the last is all that matters.