The Source of Power

Scriptures: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Every time I go to the beach, I am always amazed at the way waves behave. First of all, some parts of the waves rise earlier and higher than others and some part breaks down earlier than others, too. They don’t all come to the same spot to rise and break. They don’t all rise and break at the same time, either. But, these combinations create a beautiful scene where layers of waves rushing toward the shore with white top shining against the deep blue color of the ocean.

Secondly, no matter how the coastal line changes in shape, formation or direction, these waves relentlessly rush against the shore. What kind of power is behind such movements, so persistent and forceful! The answer is, of course, the power of God!

In our Christian lives, we all desire to live a life in and through which God works mightily. We try everything we can: we join committees in church, donate to charity organizations and support missionaries. We labor so much, but reap little. Why? I think the answer is in our disconnection with the source of power, our Lord God!

In spite of all the persecutions and tribulations he went through, Paul claimed that he could do everything because he did not do them alone. There were two keys in his claim: one, he did them through our Lord Jesus. Paul knew better his own limitation and insufficiency. More then that, he knew better who his Lord was and what Jesus could accomplish. So, he wisely went to our Lord for everything. We need to do the same.

Corrie Ten Boom, the author of The Hiding Place, once preached the salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. After the message, an ex-Nazi concentration camp soldier who persecuted her before came up to her to greet and shake hands with her. But Corrie found herself unable to reach out to him. She anxiously asked the Lord, “Lord Jesus, I cannot forgive him with my own strength. Please give me Your forgiving power!” As she reached out and grasped his hand, all of a sudden, she felt an enormous power welling up in her and she was immediately filled with compassion for that man. She said, “Our Lord demands that we love our enemies. Every time He gives us the order to love, He also gives us the love too!”

As we press on in our Christian journey and take on all kinds of opportunities to administer to others for our Lord Jesus, we need to be like Paul and Corrie, we need to be connected to the source of all power, our Lord God. May God help us and give us the heart to look up to Him for guidance and strength in everything we do!

Prayer Requests:
Those struggling with their services and ministries for the Kingdom of God

Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for calling us to be Your children and for giving us all kinds of opportunities to work with You to bring Your blessings to the people around us. We ask that You humble us and make us Your vessels of grace and Your instruments of salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!