“Power” is an attractive word. It is something that every person seems to want. Those who are disadvantaged want it in order to give them an advantage. Those who possess “power” always seem to be left unsatisfied and desiring more. Jesus must have recognized our need for power when He promised His followers that they would “receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” (Acts 1:8) However, He was thinking differently than human power that never satisfies.When God created this world, He did not take a large lump of clay in His hands and sweat as He pressed it together. Instead, He spoke a word and it was created. That is REAL power. No effort was involved. Like turning on the light in a dark place, the darkness automatically flees. There is never any power-struggle. Darkness flees when the light arrives. The light never contemplates fear of the dark, it shines without shame.
The power Jesus gives is not power we have earned. God does not make anyone earn power or buy it. He gives it. Just as He also gives the Holy Spirit. It is not given because we are holy or good enough, but because Jesus is! you have done nothing to earn power or favor from God. Jesus has done it on your behalf. And it is through faith in Him that we are forgiven and saved from sin. It is through Him that we realize God also wants to use us. We are His witnesses. “Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, That He might make His mighty power known.” (Psalm 106:8)
God does not just save us from sin and leave us on earth to feel good while surrounded by a sinful world. He has placed us here to “make His mighty power known.” Not the kind of power that conquers people, but the power that flushes away all darkness. It is a power that grants peace and perseverance through the most trying storms of life. It is power that moves with compassion; healing the sick and raising the dead. When filled with His power, God’s people do not need to sweat when they face any evil. We live “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
Some more verses to think about…
“And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13)
“To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 25)