Week of April 7
True Power
Most people not only admire power, they crave and long for it. Whether it is physical, intellectual, political, or financial power; people pursue power. Even Christians seek after worldly forms of power. The tragedy is that Christians have lost true power because they chase after temporary empowerments. Christians have failed to experience the unbelievable, indescribable, unconventional, and unexplainable power that belongs to them by their very birthright.
Many of us have given up God's supernatural power for worldly power. We have exchanged supernatural power for fading earthly power. We have forgotten about the one power that will survive eternity because we have become so preoccupied with society's standards of power. But no matter what earthly sources we seek power from, whether in our circumstances or through false spirituality, none of these things is a match for the power of the Holy Spirit of God.
How does the world define power? They view power as a way to control events, circumstances, and people. They use worldly power to manipulate others to do their will. They use worldly power to become self-sufficient and to view themselves as better than others. But this power is only temporary. "When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing" (Proverbs 11:7). The psalmist tells us, "Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous" (Psalm 37:16, 17).
The power of the Holy Spirit is completely opposite to the world's power. The power of the Holy Spirit gives God's children the ability to serve His purpose for our lives. The Holy Spirit's power is unlike any other in the world. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can transform us, relieve our guilt, and heal our souls.
The Bible tells us, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.…those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘"Abba," Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children" (Romans 8:11, 14-16).
God wants us to use His power for His kingdom. Jesus said, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Whatever tasks God calls us to do, we can remain confident that God will equip us with His Holy Spirit to guide our steps.
As Christians we have an amazing power source available to us. But as long as we believe the lies about worldly power, we cannot experience the true power of the Holy Spirit. As long as we are deceived and mesmerized by worldly power, God's power will remain elusive to us.
Where do you seek power? Is it in a solid portfolio or a corner office or a prestigious degree? Or do you seek the power of the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and direct your purpose in life? Confess to the Lord the trappings of worldly power that you have succumbed to. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence and power.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13
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