Wednesday, May 15, 2019

According to the Power Within Us

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.   Ephesians 3:20-21

Do we honestly believe that in our day God, through a confident (faith) response to Him as He makes Himself known, could conquer kingdoms through our lives?  Could God pick your life up right now and rearrange it where He uses you to change the direction of your childrenyour family, or the downward spiral of a friend? The size of your God, the nature of your God, and the purpose of your God will be revealed in how you respond to Him.  
We seldom feel qualified to handle what God is calling us to do.  But God has used all kinds of peopleto fulfill His work in the lives of people. And if He wants you to be a part of His work, He will equip you.  He will give you everything you need.  We don’t need flashy degrees or prestigious credentials to meet people where they are and influence their livesWe need grace and compassion and understanding.  We need the unconditional love of God in our lives to overflow to their lives.
God has a plan, and He has had a plan since the beginning of time.  When He created you, and then when you became a Christian, He had a specific plan for your life.  The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has been given to every one of us—the same power that set Him over all principalities and powers, dominions, authorities, and every name that can be named.  Is there anything we will face that is too difficult for Him?  Is there anything we face in obeying Him that is too difficult for Him? 
God is at work even when it seems like He is not.  In this broken and twisted world, He is working.  In the midst of darkness, He is working, and part of that work is done through us.  We are to be the light in the darkness.  Every corner of darkness exposed by the light of His presence through us will helpbroken families, disillusioned teenagers, weeping single parents, drug addicts, and criminals all know the light of God has now come. This is why He puts people together – churches, classes, teams of people – to accomplish His purpose.  God didn’t do what He did on the cross only to stay powerless in our world. He did it in order to transform the world, to draw the world to Himself.  We are part of that transformation. We are His hands and feet in the world.  Go spread the light to the darkness.  Spread it to the darkness in the cities, streets, neighborhoods, schools, and to the darkened hearts of those in the path of your life. He is inviting us to do His work with Him and He has  and will  equip us to get the job done!  

If you are called to it, you’ll be empowered for it.  It’s not about what you can do in your own abilities, but what Christ is able to do through you.  Your limitations are no surprise to God.  In fact, His power is made perfect in your weakness.  Go forth in His strength and grace.  – Christine Caine

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