Category: Power

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The Eternal Internal Power

Dear Sister,

Don’t you just love stories of an underdog’s triumph? The poor, weak individual who overcomes great obstacles, finds strength, defeats the stronger foe, and stands on top with great victory and power at the end! All throughout, the storyline shows how the feeble character finds, develops, and builds their previously undiscovered power. These stories rarely fail to fire me up and cause me to dig deeper into my soul to conquer whatever challenge I face at the time. I. Will. Win.

But, then I read Jesus’ message: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9b. This is still part of an underdog story, but it has a different ending. Instead of a vibrant winner (Paul, in this case) being carried jubilantly to the front of the church, a model of health, he continued to limp along in their midst. This ending is all the more significant because Jesus gets the glory. For, in spite of his ailment, and perhaps because of it, Jesus is seen in Paul’s actions—in his life. Jesus is glorified, not Paul.

I delight in precision, order, and perfection. I strive and goad myself to reach goals that have tangible evidence of success. Now, I am dismayed to find that I may have been investing a great amount of time ‘painting the outside’ and neglecting the much more important eternal inside. That is not to say our physical well-being, careers, and the state of our possessions do not matter; but they cannot compare to the value of our relationship with Christ. And, above all, all aspects of our lives should point to and give glory to our Lord and Savior.

If I am in the spotlight, beautiful and strong in my own right, I can distract others from the Lord. No, I can never take away from His glory, but I do not want to impede another’s access to our precious Savior, nor do I want to bask in that which is fleeting. So, while I do not want trials and struggles (here, I freely admit I am weak and treasure my creature comforts), I do echo Paul’s desire that Jesus’ power dwell in me. Lord, if You are glorified more because I suffer—please, grant me Your mercy and Your power to persevere and let this unworthy vessel shine transparent for You.

Stumbling with you,

 

Rebecca

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The Ultimate Power Keeper

Dear sisters,

My husband Barrett and I both stared open mouthed at our MacBook boxes. Our ambitions and hopes of joining the marvelous Mac world laid before us in pristine white boxes with the simple MacBook graphic displayed on the front. Barrett was drooling over the promise of quick access to all programs, graphics, artistic displays of all that the computer holds, photo booth, and popup apps. We slowly took out the smooth white laptop and marveled at the look and feel of the tool-toy. Yet, all our hopes would not come to fruition without one thing…pressing the power button. Once I found it (it looked completely different than I expected), the beauty and power of the Mac world opened up to me with a musical tah-dah! I have not been the same since.

Although this analogy is a bit silly and cheesy, it helps my simple mind to begin to grasp the power of God. The power of God is the ability and strength He can bring to pass whatever He pleases, whatever His infinite wisdom directs, and whatever His pure, infinite will demands. His power gives life and action to all the perfections of His Divine nature. He promised in the garden that He would crush Satan’s head. Without His power, that could never happen. Without His power, the Red Sea would never have been crossed, Sarah would never have had Isaac, the giant would not have been defeated, the promise of all His covenants would never be fulfilled, the Church would never last, and our sins would never be forgiven. Wow.

We have all made promises to people that have not come to pass because we didn’t have the power to complete them. Circumstances, events, or timing have kept us from fulfilling something we vowed to complete. But God’s power does not have limits like we do. He spoke…and the World was created. He rules in heaven with no need of man-made thrones, glories, or counsel. We have no power except what God has given us. In fact, He even gave the Holy Spirit to empower us to do things we can’t do in and of ourselves. We can’t claim any power that we may exhibit…even our lifting, running, and parenting power comes from God. God explained to Job His power when He asked Job a series of questions concerning creation in Job 38. Like Job, we should be speechless and humbled when faced with God’s power to do all His holy will. He has all power over creation, preservation, government, judgment, and Satan and his demons.

We have a choice then, sister: do we tremble at this power and run from it while we can? Or do we adore this God who is the ultimate power keeper? One who will never abuse power but uses it for good…our good and His glory! He used it to raise Jesus from the grave so our sins are forgiven for all time! Yes! He has the power to do this! And He did!

To return to the cheesy illustration above: Don’t just look at the MacBook box. Don’t just admire its feel, look, and abilities. Realize the real beauty comes in pressing the odd-looking power button which doesn’t look like all the others you have seen before. Like me, you will find that you will never be the same again.

Yours in Christ,

Colleen