Heavenly Powered

Scriptures: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:12-13)

Recently, we bought a few solar powered garden lights. I placed them along the path in our front yard that leads to our door. A few of them were planted under the palm trees and the other was planted at the edge of the lawn.

According to the manual, these garden lights would not give any light until they have been exposed to sun-shine for at least 12 hours. So, without surprises, these lights did not light up the first night. But, starting from the following night, they lit up along the path. When contrast with the darkness under the trees and bushes, the path has become warm and welcoming.

I also noticed that those garden lights under the palm trees seem to be dimmer than the one at the edge of the lawn. It could be because the one at the edge of lawn is closer and therefore seems brighter. But, more likely, I think it’s brighter because it has more exposure to sun-shine than those in the shades of the trees.

In many ways, I think Christians are just like these garden lights. We are expected to give light to this world, as Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) But, how do we do that?

Like these garden lights, we are not the source of light, nor the source of the power to light up. We simply were given the capacity to light. Since we are not the source of power, we cannot produce any light on our own. We need to be charged with the power first.

Thus, just like those garden lights, exposing ourselves to the source of our heavenly power is the only way through which we can receive power to light up the world. Jesus recognized this need of His disciples. That was why He commanded His disciples, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised….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 1:4, 8)

If charging ourselves is the key to give light, then the location where we chose to be charged would make a difference in the degree of our brightness. How close are we to the source of the power we need? How much distraction and hindrances do we allow to come in between us and our source of power, i.e. God? How much time are we willing to expose ourselves for re-charge? Then, when charged, how willing are we to be placed in that darkness where light is needed most?

We all recognize the needs of people around us. Their hurts, their loss of directions in life, their lack of awareness of who they are and why they live, and so much more have touched us so deep that we wish we can do something to help. But, so often, we feel inadequate and powerless in our efforts trying to help.

Maybe it’s time for us to examine the location where we have placed ourselves for re-charge. When we feel powerless, it’s a sign that we need to move closer to the source of the power we need, God, and spend time with Him through scripture reading, prayer and meditation. As we move closer to Him in worship and fellowship, we will come to know Him better with a greater sense of His presence and a deeper conviction of His power and guidance. This conviction will in turn strengthen our faith through which our capacity to give light can be expanded.

Let’s not forget that we are heavenly powered and that we need to be re-charged regularly so we will not rely on our strength, but on His, to accomplish what we are called to. Just as the prophet Zechariah said, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)


Prayer Requests:
For those who find themselves inadequate in life

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to be our Comforter, our constant help. Please help us to look to You for wisdom, strength and guidance in everything we do in life so You may be glorified and we may be equipped to share Your good news, our Lord Jesus, with all in need. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, Amen!